Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the voters of West Bengal for achieving a historic turnout in the initial phase of elections, foreseeing a new era of governance in the state. Shah commended the Election Commission, Central Armed Police Forces, and West Bengal Police for ensuring peaceful and secure voting.
The first phase of the state’s Assembly elections saw a remarkable 92.6% voter turnout, setting a new record for initial phase participation. The ongoing elections have escalated into a crucial battle between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, with significant focus on voter list revisions.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic and heightened political tensions, the 2021 Assembly elections in Bengal witnessed an 82.30% voter turnout. However, the current election has already surpassed this figure with 92.9% of registered voters casting their ballots, marking the highest turnout post-independence.
Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, acknowledged the unprecedented voter participation in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, hailing it as the highest polling percentage since Independence. The upcoming second phase of polling is slated for April 29, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.
