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Record Voter Turnout in Bengal, Tamil Nadu a Win for Democracy: Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut praised the record voter turnout in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu as beneficial for democracy. He alleged that the BJP used government resources to facilitate voter travel. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan attributed the increased turnout to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. West Bengal recorded 91.91% and Tamil Nadu 84.80% voter turnout in the first phase of polling.

Key Points: Record Voter Turnout in Bengal, Tamil Nadu Good for Democracy

  • Sanjay Raut says record voter turnout is good for democracy
  • He accuses BJP of using govt funds to bring voters to Bengal
  • DMK's TKS Elangovan links turnout increase to electoral roll revision
  • West Bengal recorded 91.91% and Tamil Nadu 84.80% turnout in Phase-1
2 min read

"Good for democracy": Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut on record voter turnout in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut hails record voter turnout in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu as good for democracy, while accusing BJP of using government funds.

"It is good for democracy when the maximum number of people vote - Sanjay Raut"

Mumbai, April 24

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Friday said that the record voter turnout in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is good for democracy.

Speaking to reporters, Raut said the high participation reflects stronger democratic engagement, but claimed that the BJP used government resources to facilitate the travel of voters.

"It is true that a storm came, and this type of voting happened. SIR is also a reason why people voted. It is good for democracy when the maximum number of people vote. BJP used govt funds to bring maximum Bengalis, whether or not they are voters, from across the country, to West Bengal," he said.

Meanwhile, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Spokesperson TKS Elangovan said the increase in voter turnout percentage in Tamil Nadu should be understood in the context of changes in the total number of registered voters following Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Elangovan said, "In 2021, before SIR, the total number of votes polled was 4.63 crore. Post SIR in this election, the total number of votes polled is around 4 crore 82 lakhs. So, around 19 lakh votes have only increased...There is not much difference..."

West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 91.91 per cent in Phase-1 polling, while Tamil Nadu recorded 84.80 per cent turnout.

In comparison, the 2021 Assembly elections in West Bengal saw a voter turnout of 85.2 per cent, while Tamil Nadu recorded 76.6 per cent. The numbers reflect an overwhelming voter turnout across districts, reinforcing both states' consistent trend of high electoral participation.

Several districts in West Bengal recorded turnout figures exceeding 90 per cent. Dakshin Dinajpur led with 94.85 per cent, followed by Cooch Behar at 94.54 per cent, Birbhum at 93.70 per cent, Jalpaiguri at 93.23 per cent and Murshidabad at 92.93 per cent. The figures indicate consistently high participation across districts, with all major regions recording over 90 per cent turnout.

Tamil Nadu witnessed strong voter participation across districts, with several regions recording high turnout figures. Karur led the state with 89.32 per cent, followed by Salem at 88.02 per cent, Erode at 87.59 per cent, Dharmapuri at 87.28 per cent, and Tiruppur at 86.33 per cent. Ariyalur recorded 83.09 per cent, Tiruchirappalli 82.76 per cent, and Chennai 81.34 per cent, indicating strong participation in urban and semi-urban regions. Madurai and Thoothukudi recorded 77.89 per cent and 77.56 per cent, respectively.

The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Raghav A
Seeing 91% in West Bengal and 84% in Tamil Nadu makes me proud as an Indian. This is real 'Vikas'—people voting passionately. But Raut should explain how BJP used govt funds for voters; that's a serious charge if true. Otherwise, it's just political drama.
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Kavya N
Election turnout is always high in TN and WB. The SIR explanation by DMK makes sense—more registered voters naturally means more votes. But Raut's claim about BJP bringing outsiders seems like an old trick to divert attention. Let's just celebrate democracy! 🗳️
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James A
As someone who tracks global elections, this is impressive. 91% in Dakshin Dinajpur is world-class participation. But Raut's comments feel like salty grapes—if it's good for democracy, why the allegations? Maybe both sides should accept the mandate gracefully and focus on governance.
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Arjun K
Record turnout is a strong message—people are fed up with empty promises. But Raut's accusations without evidence are irresponsible. Both TN and WB have a history of high participation; this is nothing new. Counting day on May 4 will be interesting. Let's see who wins the trust of these voters.
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Sarah B
The numbers are fantastic—over 90% in multiple Bengal districts shows real empowerment. But the back-and-forth between parties is exhausting. Raut says 'SIR is a reason', DMK says 'SIR explains increase'—same fact, different spins. Anyway, low voter turnout is the real anti-democratic crime. So cheers to these states!

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