West Bengal has recorded its highest-ever voter turnout since Independence, with both phases of polling crossing the 92 percent mark. The state now awaits exit polls and final results.
Sharing the update, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said, “West Bengal has seen its highest polling percentage in both Phase I and II since Independence. Chunav ka Parv, Paschim Bengal ka Garv.”
The first phase, held on April 23, registered a turnout of 91.78 percent, while the second and final phase on April 29 recorded 91.71 percent, according to data from the Election Commission of India.
TMC vs BJP battle
The election in the state is largely being viewed as a direct contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Following the first phase, both sides have expressed confidence, with the high turnout further fuelling competing claims.
The unusually strong voter participation has become a major talking point, with each party interpreting it as a sign of support in its favor.
The Trinamool Congress has projected a strong performance, claiming it will win at least 100 of the 152 seats that went to the polls in the first phase. Meanwhile, the BJP has said it expects to secure around 110 seats in the same phase.
More than 2.22 crore voters were eligible to vote in the final phase, including over 1.64 crore men and 1.57 crore women, highlighting the scale of the electorate in key constituencies.
Key constituencies and past trends
Among the most closely watched constituencies in the second phase were Bhabanipur and Tollygunge. These areas fall within a region where the Trinamool Congress performed strongly in the 2021 Assembly elections, winning 123 out of 142 seats.
For the BJP, this phase presents an opportunity to expand its reach among urban “bhadralok” voters and the Matua community. For the Trinamool Congress, the focus remains on retaining its dominance and securing a fourth consecutive term for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The counting of votes and declaration of results are scheduled for May 4.
