Government of West Bengal
Finance Department Audit Branch
325, Sarat Chatterjec Road, Nabanna, Howrah-711 102.
No. 1681-F(P2) Dated 14/05/2026
MEMORANDUM
In pursuance of the Order issued by the Election Commission of India vide No. 495/WB-LA/ES-11/2026 dated 2nd May, 2026, regarding the General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal, 2026, a fresh poll shall be conducted on 21/05/2026 (Thursday) at all polling stations in 144-Falta Assembly Constituency.
2. In view of the above, the undersigned is directed to say that the Governor is pleased to declare 21/05/2026 (Thursday), the date of the fresh poll, as a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, for Government offices, organizations, undertakings, corporations, boards, statutory bodies, local bodies, and educational institutions situated within the extent of 144-Falta Assembly Constituency.
3. The Labour Department will issue suitable instructions to shops, commercial and industrial establishments, to declare the relevant date of poll as a paid holiday for workers in the aforesaid Assembly Constituency to enable them to exercise their franchise.
4. There may be cases where a person is ordinarily resident in a Constituency and registered as an elector therein but is serving or employed in an establishment located outside the said Constituency. In such cases, such electors, including casual workers, will be entitled to the benefit of a paid holiday under Section 135B(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
5. In the event of a re-poll, employees/workers will be allowed to cast their votes on the date of re-poll in the same manner as provided in paragraphs 3 and 4 above.
6. In cases where the poll process continues till late hours on the day of poll, resulting in delayed release of polling personnel from Reception Centres and rendering it difficult for them to attend office on the following day, i.e., 22nd May, 2026 (Friday) special leave may be granted for that day to deserving employees only.
7. In respect of Government Offices/Educational Institutions, etc., which will be used as Polling Station/ Sector Office/ Distribution-cum-Reception Centre, a local holiday may be declared for the said institutions/ establishments by the Competent Authority on the date of dispatch i.e. 20th May, 2026 (Wednesday).
Sd/- P. K. Mishra
Additional Chief Secretary
to the Government of West Bengal