West Bengal Phase 1 Polling Ends; Turnout Nears 90% Mark

Polling for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections across 152 constituencies in 16 districts concluded at 6 PM on Thursday, with voter turnout already surpassing a 15-year record by 5 PM, nearly an hour before the official close.

According to the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, the turnout stood at 89.93 per cent till 5 PM, exceeding previous benchmarks.

Voters were still seen in queues at several polling booths at closing time, and the final turnout figure is expected to be announced on Friday, with estimates suggesting it may cross 90 per cent.

The turnout recorded by 5 PM has already surpassed the highest average polling of 84.33 per cent seen during the 2011 Assembly elections, which marked the end of the Left Front’s 34-year rule and the rise of the Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee. It also exceeded the 79.8 per cent average turnout recorded during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in the state.

Assembly-wise, Samserganj in Murshidabad district recorded the highest turnout at 95.34 per cent, while South Dinajpur topped district-wise participation at 93.12 per cent. The lowest turnout reported in Kalimpong at 81.98 per cent.

The polling process remained largely peaceful, with only minor incidents of tension reported, making it one of the least violent elections since 2011.

The high turnout has boosted the morale of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which views it as a sign of anti-incumbency sentiment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing rallies for the second phase scheduled on April 29, described the turnout as an indicator of a potential shift in power.

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