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Bengal Phase 1 Polling Breaks 15-Year Record with 89.93% Turnout

West Bengal's first phase Assembly polls for 152 constituencies concluded with a record 89.93% turnout by 5 PM, breaking the 15-year record set in 2011. The highest assembly turnout was recorded at Samserganj in Murshidabad district at 95.34%. The polling was largely peaceful, with only minor tensions, and the BJP leadership is claiming the high turnout reflects anti-incumbency sentiment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced the turnout as a sign of victory against the Trinamool Congress government.

Key Points: Bengal Phase 1 Polls: Record 89.93% Voter Turnout

  • Record 89.93% polling by 5 PM, surpassing 15-year high
  • Highest assembly turnout at Samserganj (95.34%)
  • Most peaceful polls since 2011
  • BJP claims anti-incumbency factor
2 min read

Bengal's 1st phase Assembly polls conclude with record polling percentage

West Bengal's first phase Assembly polls see record 89.93% turnout by 5 PM, surpassing 2011's 84.33%. BJP claims anti-incumbency wave.

"The polling percentage is an indication of a victory against the incumbent Trinamool Congress government - Narendra Modi"

Kolkata, April 23

The polling for first phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls for 152 constituencies in 16 districts of the state had concluded at 6 p.m. on Thursday, with the record polling percentage in the last 15 years already surpassed by 5 p.m., nearly an hour before the official time of conclusion of the polling process.

Since at 6 p.m. queues of voters were there at certain polling booths in the state.

The Office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) was able to provide the polling percentage till 5 p.m.

The final polling percentage is expected to be calculated and announced on Friday.

The polling percentage recorded till 5 p.m. on Thursday was 89.93, the record percentage in the last 15 years in West Bengal since 2011, the year which marked the end of the previous 34-year Left Front government and the beginning of the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in the state.

In the six-phase 2011 West Bengal Assembly polls, the average polling percentage so far was the highest in the last 15 years at 84.33 per cent.

In the last seven-phase Lok Sabha election in 2024 in West Bengal, the average polling percentage was 79.8.

However, all those polling records were broken on Thursday at 5 p.m.

An insider from the CEO's office said that once the final polling percentage on Thursday is available, the figure will likely cross 90 per cent.

Assembly-wise, the highest polling percentage till 5 p.m. had been recorded at Samserganj in Murshidabad district at 95.34 per cent.

District-wise, the highest polling percentage till 5 p.m. had been recorded at South Dinajpur at 93.12 per cent and the lowest at the hill-district of Kalimpong at 81.98 per cent.

Barring some stray events of tension and clashes, the polling process on Thursday was the most peaceful and violence-free after the 2011 Assembly polls in West Bengal.

The high polling percentage had made the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership elated, and it is claiming that this is a clear reflection of the anti-incumbency factor and hints towards a change in government in the state after 15 years.

In two of the campaign rallies in West Bengal for the second phase of polling on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described the polling percentage as an indication of a victory against the incumbent Trinamool Congress government.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
BJP is jumping the gun. High turnout doesn't automatically mean anti-incumbency. Look at Kalimpong with 81.98% - lowest in the state - that's where TMC support is traditionally strong. This could just be people wanting change, or it could be people coming out to support Mamata. Let's wait for the results instead of claiming victory prematurely.
A
Arjun K
South Dinajpur 93.12%! That's amazing turnout from a district that's often overlooked. Samserganj at 95.34% is incredible too. This shows that people in even the remotest areas are determined to have their voice heard. The peaceful conduct (barring minor incidents) is also a big positive. Bengal is showing the nation how to conduct elections. 🙌
S
Siddharth J
90% likely overall! Makes you wonder though - is this enthusiasm for democracy or desperation for change? I've seen both sides claiming this as their victory. The reality is that Bengal's voters are engaged and that's good for everyone. But let's not forget the violence that marred previous elections - glad this phase was relatively peaceful. Koi violence nahi hona chahiye.
V
Vikram M
Record turnout is great, but I wish the system was more transparent. Campaign violence, allegations of voter intimidation, and the constant political mudslinging don't inspire confidence. The fact that the CEO's office couldn't provide final figures immediately suggests there might be logistical issues. We need to improve the process, not just celebrate the numbers. Just my observation as a concerned citizen.
K
Kavya N
Murshidabad leading with 95.34%!

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