West Bengal records 91.91% turnout in Phase I as of 6 pm, Tamil Nadu at 84.80%

Several districts in West Bengal crossed 90% turnout, while Tamil Nadu saw Karur lead at 92.48%. Both states recorded strong participation, exceeding their 2021 turnout levels.

Chennai, Apr 23 (ANI): Voters queue up as they wait to cast their votes during the first phase of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, in Chennai on Thursday. (ANI Photo)

New Delhi: Polling for the Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a significantly higher voter turnout of 91.91 per cent in Phase I polling compared to Tamil Nadu, which recorded 84.80 per cent turnout, according to the latest data by the Election Commission of India.

The high turnout figures underline an active electoral exercise as polling drew to a close amid tight security arrangements across constituencies.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the Commission salutes each voter of both states for coming out in large numbers to take part in the Democracy festival.

“Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence, ECI salutes each voter of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu,” CEC Gyanesh Kumar said.

Several districts in West Bengal recorded over 90 per cent voter turnout. Dakshin Dinajpur led with 94.85%, followed by Cooch Behar at 94.54%, Birbhum at 93.70%, Jalpaiguri at 93.23%, and Murshidabad at 92.93%. The figures reflect consistently high voter participation across the state, with all major districts comfortably staying above the 90% mark.

Tamil Nadu also recorded strong turnout across key districts, with Karur leading at 92.48%, followed closely by Salem at 90.42%, Dharmapuri at 90.02%, Erode at 89.97% and Namakkal at 89.63%.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 85.2 per cent while Tamil Nadu recorded 76.6 per cent. The numbers reflect an overwhelming voter turnout across districts, reinforcing both states’ consistent trend of high electoral
participation.

Meanwhile, in the by-elections, the Umreth constituency in Gujarat recorded a voter turnout of 59.04%. Whereas, in Maharashtra, Rahuri saw 55.70% polling, and Baramati reported a turnout at 57.77%.

Polling for the 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 constituencies in West Bengal began amid tight security this morning. Polling in the remaining 142 constituencies in West Bengal is slated for May 29, and counting of votes will take place on May 4. (ANI)