The voter turnout in West Bengal’s 2026 elections reached an impressive 89.99% by 5 PM on April 29, surpassing the previous record of 80.4% from 2021 for the same seats.
Before this surge, expectations were lower, with analysts predicting modest participation. However, the turnout shattered these projections.
Phase 1 of the assembly polls concluded with a record voter turnout of 92.25%. This indicates heightened public interest in the electoral process.
The results have significant implications for both major parties: the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Narendra Modi.
District-wise, Purba Bardhaman recorded the highest turnout at 94.06%, showcasing regional enthusiasm. Other notable areas include:
- Hooghly: 90.34%
- Nadia: 90.28%
- Howrah: 89.44%
- Bhabanipur: 85.51%
Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP, claiming they intend to rig the election and accusing them of undermining what she described as a peaceful electoral process.
She stated, “Central forces are supposed to guard the country’s borders, but instead they are working for a particular party.” This reflects ongoing tensions between the two parties.
The electoral process was largely peaceful in this second phase, with 1,448 candidates contesting for 142 assembly constituencies.
The high voter turnout suggests a robust engagement from the electorate, potentially reshaping political dynamics in West Bengal.
