In a remarkable demonstration of democracy, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal recorded their highest-ever voter turnout in Assembly elections since Independence.
As per Election Commission data, Tamil Nadu saw a turnout of 85.14%, while West Bengal's Phase-I recorded 92.6%, surpassing previous records from 2011 (Tamil Nadu: 78.29%, West Bengal: 84.72%). Voting continued robustly throughout the 11-hour polling period from 7 AM to 6 PM, with all voters in queue by 6 PM allowed to cast their ballots.
The 2021 Assembly elections had seen turnouts of 82.3% in West Bengal and 79% in Tamil Nadu. The unprecedented participation this year occurred despite reports of violence, administrative challenges, and voter roll issues, particularly in West Bengal, highlighting strong citizen engagement and the perceived importance of these elections.
Phase Details:
- Tamil Nadu's 234 constituencies voted in a single phase.
- In West Bengal, 152 of 294 constituenciesvoted in Phase I, with the remaining polling scheduled for April 29.
Political Reactions:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, 'A storm of change is sweeping West Bengal. I appeal to first-time voters to vote in favour of trust and drive away fear.'
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the turnout as an indication that voters are coming out against the BJP.
Key Constituencies:
- Nandigram (East Midnapore) - BJP's Suvendu Adhikari
- Baharampur (Murshidabad) - Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
- Kharagpur Sadar (West Midnapore) - BJP's Dilip Ghosh
Incidents During Polling:
- Clashes and attacks on candidates' vehicles were reported in Murarai (Birbhum) and Nowda (Murshidabad).
- BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's vehicle windscreen was shattered in Asansol South.
- ECI received 260 complaintsthrough official channels and 375 via the cVIGIL appregarding alleged electoral malpractices.
- A 58-year-old voter, Nripendra Das, died in Patashpur due to heat-related illness.
In Tamil Nadu, voting was largely peaceful, except minor incidents including an EVM damage arrest in Tiruvannamalai and a police officer being stabbed. Some villages in Tirunelveli and Pudukkottai districts boycotted polling.
Both states had recently conducted a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The election outcomes are expected to shape the political landscape in these key states and influence the broader national discourse ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, amid debates on delimitation and women's reservation.
Edited by : Mary Rose Baba