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West Bengal Sets Record with Highest Ever Polling in Two-Phase Elections

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar congratulated West Bengal voters for achieving the highest-ever poll percentage in the first two phases of assembly elections. Phase I recorded a final turnout of 93.19%, while Phase II saw 91.31% polling by 6 PM, with queues still present. East Burdwan district led with 93.39% turnout, while Kolkata (Dakshin) had the lowest at 87.25%. The elections were conducted under heavy security with 2,407 central forces, and results will be declared on May 4.

Key Points: West Bengal Record Polling in Phase I & II Elections

  • West Bengal records highest-ever poll percentage in Phase I & II
  • Phase I saw 93.19% turnout, Phase II nears 91.31% by 6 PM
  • East Burdwan district tops with 93.39% polling
  • Results to be declared on May 4
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CEC congratulates people of West Bengal for highest-ever poll percentage in two-phase elections

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar congratulates West Bengal for achieving highest-ever poll percentage in first two phases of assembly elections.

"Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal in both Phase I & II since Independence - ECI congratulates each voter of West Bengal on this historic feat. - Election Commission of India"

Kolkata, April 29

Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, on Wednesday evening congratulated the people of West Bengal for participating in the polling process in record numbers in both the phases of West Bengal Assembly polls, first on April 23 and then on Wednesday.

"Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal in both Phase I & II since Independence - ECI congratulates each voter of West Bengal on this historic feat," a statement issued by the Election Commission of India quoting Kumar had read.

As per the figures available from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, the polling percentage recorded till 6 P.M. had been recorded at 91.31 per cent.

"However, this is not the final figure since at 6 P.M. voters' queues continued in certain polling booths and hence the final polling percentage will be available either later on Wednesday or on Thursday morning," said a CEO's office insider.

There is a possibility that the final polling percentage on Wednesday will either be very near or even cross the final percentage figure of 93.19 per cent in the first phase on April 23.

While, in the first phase there was polling for 152 Assembly constituencies, in the second phase on Wednesday there was polling for the remaining 142 constituencies. The results will be declared on May 4.

Till 6 P.M. the East Burdwan district recorded the highest polling percentage at 93.39 per cent. The lowest polling percentage was in the electoral district of Kolkata (Dakshin) at 87.25 per cent.

Barring sporadic incidents of poll-related violence and clashes in certain pockets in the districts and Kolkata, the overall polling process was more or less peaceful, being conducted under blanket security coverage of 2,407 companies of central forces under the supervision of 142 general observers and 95 police observers, up from 84 in the first phase of polling.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the high turnout is encouraging, we should also remember that many people were intimidated or forced to vote by political parties. Not everyone votes out of free will, especially in some rural areas. The number of central forces deployed shows the challenges. Still, a step forward for Bengal's democracy.
J
James A
Impressive numbers! 91%+ turnout in both phases is remarkable by any global standard. Hope the results reflect the true will of the people. The ECI deserves credit for managing such a large-scale election with robust security.
R
Rohit P
Highest ever polling percentage since independence? That's a huge milestone! But I hope the ECI also investigates reports of violence and voter intimidation in certain pockets. Free and fair elections are not just about numbers but about the quality of the process.
K
Kavya N
Kolkata (Dakshin) with lowest turnout? Not surprised, given the urban apathy and also the pandemic fears maybe. But overall, Bengal has shown its commitment to democracy. Now let's wait for the results on May 4! 🤞
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Michael C
It's quite an achievement to get such high participation in a state with complex political dynamics. The ECI's efforts to deploy extra observers and central forces seem to have helped maintain order. My only concern is whether the final count will cross 93% - that would be truly historic!
V
Vikram M

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