From 12 members to 294: the evolution of Bengal's democratic seat
The West Bengal Legislative Assembly has undergone a radical transformation since the mid-1s60s. What began as a small, nominated council under British rule has expanded into a massive, directly elected body, reflecting the shifting political landscape of a state shaped by partition and constitutional change.
The origins of Bengal's legislative structure date back to January 18, 1862, when the Indian Councils Act 1861 established a 12-member Legislative Council for the Bengal Presidency. This small group, composed of the Lt. Governor and nominated members, was the precursor to the modern assembly. Over the following decades, various British-era acts incrementally expanded the council's reach: the 1892 Act raised the maximum strength to 20 members, while the 1909 Act increased the count to 50. By the time the Government of India Act 1919 was implemented, the council had grown to 125 members, a body formally inaugurated on February 1, 1921, by the Duke of Connaught.
A significant structural shift occurred under the Government of India Act 1935, which introduced a bicameral system. This created both a Legislative Assembly, consisting of 250 members, and a permanent Legislative Council. However, the partition of 1947 fundamentally altered this arrangement. As Bengal Province was split into West Bengal and East Bengal, the new West Bengal Legislative Assembly was formed with 90 elected members and two nominated Anglo-Indian representatives. This new assembly held its inaugural meeting on November 21, 1947.
The post-independence era brought further constitutional refinements. While the Indian Constitution initially provided for a bicameral legislature—including a 51-member Legislative Council established on June 5, 1952—the state eventually moved back to a unicameral system. Following a 1969 resolution, the Legislative Council was officially abolished on August 1, 1969. Today, the Assembly operates as a single chamber located in Kolkata's B. B. D. Bagh area, featuring 294 members who are directly elected from single-seat constituencies for five-year terms.
Source: West Bengal Legislative Assembly
