Howrah to Gain 18 Wards While Kolkata May Add Two More

The latest delimitation proposal from West Bengal’s municipal authorities indicates a significant reshuffle of ward boundaries. Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s count could jump from 144 to 209, with a potential final figure of 211 to satisfy the 16,000‑voter ceiling per ward.

Data shows 45 Kolkata wards where elector numbers are out of balance. One key ward has been assigned 32,000 voters, another twelve have about 18,000 each, and the remaining thirty‑two average 13,000 voters. The disparity threatens the state’s goal of uniform development fund distribution.

Officials suggest that adding two extra wards may be necessary to bring all 45 problematic wards within the voter limit. Meanwhile, Howrah Municipal Corporation is slated to grow from 50 to 68 wards, aligning both cities for elections set for November.

Stakeholders have voiced concerns that the delimitation draft was prepared under time pressure, compromising the fairness of voter distribution.