Voter Turnout At 05:00 PM: West Bengal Nears 90%, Tamil Nadu Crosses 82%

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu witnessed robust voter turnout on Thursday, with polling percentages in both states trending towards record highs, according to estimates by the Election Commission of India.

By 5 PM, West Bengal recorded 89.93 per cent polling, while Tamil Nadu reached 82.24 per cent, surpassing their respective 2021 figures of 82 per cent and 74 per cent. The high turnout reflects sustained voter enthusiasm throughout the day.

Polling has remained steady since morning in both states. At 3 PM, West Bengal had recorded 78.77 per cent turnout, while Tamil Nadu stood at 70 per cent, as per EC data.

In West Bengal, voting began at 7 AM across 152 assembly constituencies spread over 16 districts, with long queues seen at polling stations early in the day.

The districts include Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, West Burdwan, and Birbhum.

The remaining 142 constituencies will go to the polls on April 29.

Polling for all 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu also commenced at 7 AM, with over 5.73 crore eligible voters deciding the fate of 4,023 candidates.

The electoral contest in the state features multiple alliances and parties, including the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance, Naam Tamilar Katchi, and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, making it a closely fought battle.

Despite earlier controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive, voter turnout has remained unaffected, with participation levels exceeding expectations.

The counting of votes for both states will take place on May 4, when the results will determine the next governments.

Also Read: Voter Turnout At 03:00 PM: West Bengal Nears 79%, Tamil Nadu At 70%