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West Bengal Phase I Polling Sees 91.91% Turnout Without Fear, Says CEO

The first phase of West Bengal polling concluded with a 91.91% voter turnout, according to the Election Commission of India. State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal confirmed that people voted without fear, with security managed by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Special Poll Observer NK Mishra emphasized the need for peaceful, free, and fair elections, with strict action against disruptions. High voter participation was recorded across districts, with Dakshin Dinajpur leading at 94.85%, and the remaining 142 constituencies set to vote on May 29.

Key Points: West Bengal Phase I Polling: 91.91% Turnout, Peaceful Voting

  • 91.91% voter turnout in Phase I
  • Dakshin Dinajpur leads with 94.85%
  • CAPF ensures security at polling stations
  • Remaining 142 constituencies to vote on May 29
2 min read

People stepped out to cast their votes without fear: State Chief Electoral Officer as Phase I polling in West Bengal concludes

West Bengal Phase I polling concludes with 91.91% voter turnout. CEO Manoj Agarwal says people voted without fear; Special Poll Observer NK Mishra ensures free, fair elections.

"People stepped out to cast their votes without any fear. - Manoj Agarwal"

Kolkata, April 23

As the first phase of West Bengal polling concluded on Thursday, State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal said people stepped out to cast their votes without any fear. State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal said, "Security at the polling stations was entirely under the control of the CAPF. People stepped out to cast their votes without any fear. This time, the webcasting was 100 per cent foolproof."

Meanwwhile, Special Poll Observer NK Mishra said West Bengal elections, known for electoral violence, must be made peaceful, free, fair, intimidation-free.

"The Election Commission of India's principle was very clear from the beginning: the West Bengal elections, known for electoral violence, must be made peaceful, free, fair, intimidation-free... The cardinal principle was the coordination and deployment of the state police, and the central paramilitary forces... Our deployment of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at the polling booths had a scale, and we deployed the force accordingly... There were more sensitive booths in Cooch Behar, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, and other districts, and we paid more attention to them. We will take strict action against those who try to disrupt the peace of the voting process, and we will ensure that no one disrupts or obstructs the peaceful voting process...," Special Poll Observer told ANI.

West Bengal recorded higher voter turnout of 91.91 per cent in Phase I polling, according to the latest data by the Election Commission of India.Several districts in West Bengal recorded over 90 per cent voter turnout. Dakshin Dinajpur led with 94.85%, followed by Cooch Behar at 94.54%, Birbhum at 93.70%, Jalpaiguri at 93.23%, and Murshidabad at 92.93%. The figures reflect consistently high voter participation across the state, with all major districts comfortably staying above the 90% mark.

Polling in the remaining 142 constituencies in West Bengal is slated for May 29, and counting of votes will take place on May 4.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
Good that webcasting was 100% foolproof this time. But let's not forget the long history of violence in Bengal elections. One phase doesn't make it a success. The real test will be when the remaining 142 constituencies vote. Fingers crossed 🤞
R
Ravi K
People stepping out without fear is a big achievement for Bengal. The special poll observer's emphasis on "peaceful, free, fair, intimidation-free" elections is exactly what we need. Let's hope the remaining phases see the same discipline from all parties.
J
James A
Impressive turnout numbers across districts. Dakshin Dinajpur leading at 94.85% is remarkable! But I'm wondering - is the real test of fairness when we see the results on May 4? An election is only truly free if the losing side accepts the outcome peacefully.
M
Michael C
The approach of coordinated deployment with CAPF and state police sounds sensible. But history shows that violence often occurs not at polling booths but during campaigning and after results. Need vigilance throughout the process. Let's not declare victory too early.
P
Priya S
My family in Murshidabad said it was smooth this time - big improvement from previous years! The EC deserves credit for making people feel safe. But we must remain vigilant. Elections in Bengal should not be about muscle power but about the power of the ballot.

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