West Bengal records highest-ever voter turnout in two-phase Assembly polls
Synopsis
West Bengal has shattered its own post-Independence voter turnout record across both phases of its Assembly elections — Phase I hit 93.19% on 23 April, and Phase II was tracking above 91% by 6 pm on 29 April with queues still running. The Election Commission of India called it a 'historic feat', and the final figure could climb higher still.
Key Takeaways
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar congratulated West Bengal voters on achieving the highest-ever polling percentage since Independence across both phases.
Phase I (23 April, 152 constituencies ) recorded a final turnout of 93.19 per cent .
Phase II (29 April, 142 constituencies ) recorded 91.31 per cent till 6 pm ; final figures expected later Wednesday or Thursday morning.
East Burdwan district led Phase II with 93.39 per cent ; Kolkata (Dakshin) recorded the lowest at 87.25 per cent .
Polling was conducted under 2,407 companies of central forces, supervised by 142 general observers and 95 police observers .
Results for all 294 constituencies will be declared on 4 May .
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday, 29 April congratulated the people of West Bengal for achieving the highest-ever polling percentage since Independence across both phases of the West Bengal Assembly elections. The milestone spans polling held on 23 April and 29 April, covering all 294 Assembly constituencies across the state.
Record Turnout Figures
According to data from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, the polling percentage recorded till 6 pm on Wednesday stood at 91.31 per cent. However, officials cautioned that this is not the final figure, as voter queues continued at several polling booths past 6 pm. The final tally is expected to be released either later on Wednesday or on Thursday morning.
There is a possibility that the final second-phase figure could approach or even surpass the 93.19 per cent recorded in the first phase on 23 April — itself a historic benchmark for the state.
What the Election Commission Said
Point of View
And it underscores West Bengal's reputation as one of India's most electorally engaged states. Yet high turnout in Bengal has historically coexisted with poll violence — the 'sporadic incidents' noted by officials deserve scrutiny, not a footnote. The deployment of 2,407 central force companies reflects how contested and sensitive this election remains. The real question is whether record participation translates into a credible mandate, or whether post-poll disputes will overshadow the numbers when results arrive on 4 May.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the voter turnout in the West Bengal Assembly elections 2025?
West Bengal recorded its highest-ever voter turnout since Independence across both phases. Phase I on 23 April saw a final turnout of 93.19 per cent across 152 constituencies, while Phase II on 29 April recorded 91.31 per cent till 6 pm across 142 constituencies, with the final figure expected to rise further.
When will West Bengal election results be declared?
The results for all 294 West Bengal Assembly constituencies will be declared on 4 May 2025, covering both Phase I and Phase II polling.
Which district had the highest voter turnout in Phase II of the West Bengal elections?
East Burdwan district recorded the highest polling percentage in Phase II at 93.39 per cent. The lowest was in the Kolkata (Dakshin) electoral district at 87.25 per cent.
How many central forces were deployed for the West Bengal Assembly elections?
A total of 2,407 companies of central forces were deployed for Phase II, supervised by 142 general observers and 95 police observers — an increase from 84 police observers in Phase I.
What did Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar say about the West Bengal turnout?
CEC Gyanesh Kumar, in a statement issued by the Election Commission of India, said: 'Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal in both Phase I and II since Independence — ECI congratulates each voter of West Bengal on this historic feat.'
