Kolkata, April 24: West Bengal recorded its highest-ever voter turnout in Assembly election history during the first phase, with polling reaching 92.88 per cent across 152 constituencies, according to Election Commission data compiled till midnight.
Officials clarified that the figure remains provisional, with final tabulation still underway. Sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer said the final turnout could rise further once the complete consolidation of data is concluded.
The record was effectively crossed even before polling officially ended, with turnout touching 89.93 per cent by 5 p.m., an hour ahead of the scheduled closing time. Voting continued beyond 6 p.m. at thousands of polling stations where voters were still in queue, contributing to the surge in participation.
Election authorities confirmed that around 5,000 polling booths reported extended voting hours due to the presence of voters waiting to cast their ballots. The continued polling significantly added to the overall turnout figures.
The current turnout surpasses the previous high recorded during the 2011 Assembly elections, when the state saw an average polling percentage of 84.33 per cent over six phases. That election marked a major political shift with the end of the Left Front’s long tenure and the rise of the Trinamool Congress government.
Officials attributed the high voter turnout to multiple factors, including updated electoral rolls. The removal of absent, shifted, duplicate, and missing voters from the rolls is believed to have improved the accuracy of participation rates.
Despite the heavy voter presence, authorities described the polling process as largely peaceful. However, enforcement measures were taken in response to attempts to disrupt voting. A total of 41 arrests were made on polling day in connection with disturbances, while 571 preventive arrests had been carried out prior to the start of polling.
Security deployment and monitoring mechanisms remained active throughout the day to ensure smooth conduct of elections. Officials continued oversight of polling stations to manage crowds and maintain order as voter turnout remained high across regions.
The first phase polling is seen as a critical indicator of voter engagement in the state’s electoral process, with the high turnout reflecting strong participation across constituencies.
Final turnout figures are expected to be released after completion of data reconciliation by election authorities.
