Kolkata (Gurpreet Singh): West Bengal has rewritten its electoral history by recording a staggering 92.47 per cent voter turnout in its two-phased assembly elections, marking the highest participation rate since Independence. The Election Commission confirmed on Wednesday that this monumental level of engagement reflects a massive surge in civic activity across the state’s vast voter base of 6.81 crore people. This landmark achievement comfortably eclipses the previous record of 84.72 per cent, which was established during the 2011 assembly elections.
The second phase of polling, which concluded on Wednesday evening, saw a participation rate of 91.66 per cent by 7:45 pm. This high figure followed an even more remarkable showing in the first phase held on April 23, where 93.19 per cent of eligible voters cast their ballots. A significant highlight of this election cycle was the participation of women, who marginally outperformed men at the booths. According to data provided by the poll watchdog, 92.28 per cent of total female electors exercised their franchise, compared to 91.07 per cent of male voters.
This trend of record-breaking participation has been a defining feature of the current election season across several regions. Earlier this month, on April 9, Assam and Puducherry also surpassed their historical peaks by recording turnouts of 85.38 per cent and 89.83 per cent, respectively. In contrast, Tamil Nadu’s previous highest turnout was recorded at 78.29 per cent during the 2011 polls. The Election Commission has noted that these extraordinary numbers represent a significant milestone in democratic participation, as citizens turn out in massive numbers to shape the future of their respective administrations.
