West Bengal records massive 91.4% turnout in phase 1 voting amid SIR focus

The figure marks one of the highest participation rates in the state’s recent electoral history, reflecting strong voter engagement across constituencies.

Dakshin Dinajpur tops, Kalimpong sees lowest turnout

Among the districts, Dakshin Dinajpur recorded the highest turnout, with around 96 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots as of 7 pm.

In contrast, Kalimpong registered the lowest turnout in this phase, though officials did not indicate any major disruptions affecting polling.

Higher than 2021 Assembly Elections

The current turnout significantly surpasses the 82.3 percent recorded during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.

The surge suggests increased voter enthusiasm and participation compared to the previous electoral cycle.

SIR exercise draws attention

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, conducted by the Election Commission of India ahead of the polls, had drawn political attention in the run-up to voting.

While opposition parties had raised concerns over potential exclusions, the high turnout suggests that a large section of voters were able to participate in the electoral process.

Election Commission hails ‘historic’ participation

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar praised the turnout, calling it unprecedented.

“Highest-ever percentage of polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence — Election Commission of India salutes each voter,” he said, highlighting the scale of public involvement.

The numbers released so far are provisional.

The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the final voter turnout figures after consolidating data from all polling stations.

Counting of the votes will take place on May 4.

All images by Rupak De Chowdhuri/IBNS.