West Bengal Sets Record 91.91% Turnout; Tamil Nadu 84.80% in High-Stakes Polls

Polling concluded for Phase I assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, with West Bengal recording a historic 91.91% voter turnout and Tamil Nadu 84.80%. The Election Commission of India hailed the figures as the highest ever polling since Independence in both states. West Bengal's Dakshin Dinajpur district led with 94.85% turnout, while Tamil Nadu's Karur topped at 92.48%. By-elections in Gujarat and Maharashtra recorded lower turnouts of around 55-59%.

Key Points: West Bengal 91.91% Record Turnout; Tamil Nadu 84.80% in Polls

  • West Bengal records historic 91.91% voter turnout
  • Tamil Nadu sees 84.80% turnout
  • Highest ever polling since Independence in both states
  • Dakshin Dinajpur leads with 94.85% in West Bengal
  • Karur tops Tamil Nadu districts with 92.48%
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Polling concludes in high-stakes battle: West Bengal records historic 91.91% voter turnout, Tamil Nadu sees 84.80%; ECI thank voters

West Bengal records historic 91.91% voter turnout in Phase I polls, Tamil Nadu 84.80%. ECI thanks voters for democracy festival.

"Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence, ECI salutes each voter - CEC Gyanesh Kumar"

New Delhi, April 23

Polling for the Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a significantly higher voter turnout of 91.91 per cent in Phase I polling compared to Tamil Nadu, which recorded 84.80 per cent turnout, according to the latest data by the Election Commission of India.

The high turnout figures underline an active electoral exercise as polling drew to a close amid tight security arrangements across constituencies.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the Commission salutes each voter of both states for coming out in large numbers to take part in the Democracy festival.

"Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence, ECI salutes each voter of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu," CEC Gyanesh Kumar said.

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.

Tamil Nadu also recorded strong turnout across key districts, with Karur leading at 92.48%, followed closely by Salem at 90.42%, Dharmapuri at 90.02%, Erode at 89.97% and Namakkal at 89.63%.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, West Bengal recorded 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.

Meanwhile, in the by-elections, the Umreth constituency in Gujarat recorded a voter turnout of 59.04%. Whereas, in Maharashtra, Rahuri saw 55.70% polling, and Baramati reported a turnout at 57.77%.

Polling for the 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 constituencies in West Bengal began amid tight security this morning. 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

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Priya S
Historic indeed! But honestly, I'm a bit concerned about those by-election turnouts in Gujarat and Maharashtra—59% and around 55% is low. Why the difference? Maybe people there feel less connected to the process. Feels like the Commission should focus on increasing engagement everywhere, not just in Bengal and TN. 🤔
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James A
Impressive numbers from Bengal and Tamil Nadu—clear democratic spirit. As an observer, it's fascinating to see the regional variation: Dakshin Dinajpur at nearly 95% is incredible, while TN's Karur at 92% is equally remarkable. The ECI deserves credit for maintaining security and logistics across 386 constituencies. Well done, India! 🙌
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Vikram M
The Chief Election Commissioner is right—this is a festival of democracy. But let's not ignore the ground reality: political polarisation in Bengal is high, and many voters came out despite threats. The high turnout reflects both hope and fear. Still, a record is a record. Salute to every voter who braved the queues. 🗳️
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Sarah B
From 85.2% to 91.91% in Bengal—that's a massive jump! And TN from 76.6% to 84.80%. This trend is heartening. However, I do wish the ECI would release constituency-wise data faster for transparency. Reminds me of the US where real-time counts are available. India's democracy is strong, but small improvements could make it even more robust. 🇮🇳
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Jessica F
West Bengal's 91.91%

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