Kolkata, 23 April (H.S.) : The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout on Thursday, reflecting strong electoral enthusiasm across the state. According to data available till 5 PM, a total of 89.93 percent polling was recorded across 152 constituencies spread over 16 districts.

The high turnout has added significant political interest to the ongoing electoral process, with analysts viewing it as an indication of heightened voter engagement and potentially strong electoral outcomes.

Several districts recorded voting well above the 90 percent mark. South Dinajpur topped the list with 93.12 percent polling, followed by Cooch Behar at 92.07 percent, Birbhum at 91.55 percent, Murshidabad at 91.36 percent, and Jalpaiguri at 91.20 percent.

West Midnapore recorded 90.70 percent voting, while Jhargram registered 90.53 percent. Districts such as North Dinajpur, Bankura, and Malda also reported polling figures close to the 90 percent mark. In Darjeeling, Purulia, West Bardhaman, and East Midnapore, long queues of voters were witnessed throughout the day.

Kalimpong recorded the lowest turnout at 81.98 percent, which is still considered notable given overall voting trends.

From early morning, polling stations across the state witnessed long queues, with significant participation from women, youth, and elderly voters. In several areas, crowds continued to gather outside booths even in the evening hours.

However, isolated incidents of violence, clashes, and technical glitches were reported from some areas during the day. Despite these disruptions, voter enthusiasm remained largely unaffected.

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Higher Turnout Compared to 2021 and 2024 Elections

According to available data, the 2021 Assembly elections recorded around 83.2 percent polling in these constituencies, while the 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw a turnout of 79.8 percent. The current phase has already surpassed both figures, reaching 89.93 percent by 5 PM, indicating a significant rise in voter participation.

The turnout has also drawn national attention. While Assam has previously recorded 85.38 percent polling and Puducherry reached 89.93 percent in recent elections, West Bengal’s first phase has either matched or exceeded these benchmarks, suggesting a potentially record-breaking election cycle.

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Political Reactions Intensify

Following the high turnout, political activity in the state has intensified. Higher voter participation is often interpreted as a sign of strong public sentiment or possible political change, prompting all major parties to closely monitor the upcoming phases of polling.

With the first phase concluded, attention now shifts to the remaining phases and the final results, which will ultimately determine the political significance of this historic voter turnout in West Bengal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh