West Bengal, Tamil Nadu Record Highest-Ever Voter Turnout Since Independence

NEW DELHI — West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have recorded their highest-ever voter turnout since Independence, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced on Thursday as polling concluded at 6 pm.

"Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence — ECI salutes each voter of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu," Kumar said.

West Bengal recorded a Phase I turnout of 91.91 per cent, while Tamil Nadu came in at 84.80 per cent — both surpassing their previous historical highs.

District-Wise Breakdown: West Bengal

Several districts in West Bengal crossed the 90 per cent mark. Dakshin Dinajpur led the state at 94.85 per cent, followed by Cooch Behar at 94.54 per cent, Birbhum at 93.70 per cent, Jalpaiguri at 93.23 per cent, and Murshidabad at 92.93 per cent.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, West Bengal had recorded an overall turnout of 85.2 per cent — making Thursday's figures a significant jump.

Also Read: Bengal Records Over 41% Turnout by 11 AM, Complaints and Incidents Reported

District-Wise Breakdown: Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu's strongest turnout came from Karur at 92.48 per cent, followed by Salem at 90.42 per cent, Dharmapuri at 90.02 per cent, Erode at 89.97 per cent, and Namakkal at 89.63 per cent.

Tamil Nadu's 2021 turnout had stood at 76.6 per cent — making the 84.80 per cent figure on Thursday a notable increase.

By-Elections and What Comes Next

In by-elections held alongside the Assembly polls, the Umreth constituency in Gujarat recorded 59.04 per cent turnout. In Maharashtra, Rahuri saw 55.70 per cent and Baramati 57.77 per cent.

Polling covered all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of 294 constituencies in West Bengal on Thursday. The remaining 142 West Bengal constituencies are scheduled to go to the polls on May 29, with counting of votes for both states set for May 4.