Record-Breaking Turnout in West Bengal's First Phase Elections

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a record voter turnout of 93.19%, setting a new high in the state's electoral history. Held on April 23, the election covered 152 assembly segments across 16 districts, with 3.36 crore of the total 3.61 crore eligible voters casting their votes.

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections marked a record voter turnout of 93.19%, according to the Election Commission. The election, held on April 23, spanned 152 assembly segments in 16 districts, with 3.36 crore out of 3.61 crore voters participating.

Data revealed that 1.65 crore women and 1.71 crore men exercised their franchise. Cooch Behar district recorded the highest turnout at 96.2%, followed by Dakshin Dinajpur at 95.44% and Malda at 94.79%. Kalimpong witnessed the lowest participation rate at 83.04%.

The previous record was set at 84.72% during the 2011 assembly elections, which saw the TMC take power from the CPI(M)-led Left Front after 34 years. The current election follows a Special Intensive Revision that removed over 90 lakh names from the electoral rolls.