The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections witnessed an overwhelming voter turnout, with more than 90 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots in a fiercely contested race between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This marks the first time since independence in 1947 that West Bengal has witnessed such an exceptionally high voter turnout in any election.
The exceptionally high turnout reflects heightened voter awareness and engagement, significantly surpassing the historical average of around 85 per cent in previous state elections. Voters turned out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights and choose their preferred candidates.
Despite the largely peaceful environment, sporadic incidents of violence were reported from different districts. Senior BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari and Agnimitra Paul, alleged that they or their supporters came under attack during the voting process.
In Kumarganj, BJP candidate Subhendu Sarkar claimed he was assaulted by a mob after protesting the obstruction of polling agents. He sustained injuries and was later hospitalised, while his vehicle was vandalised. In a separate incident, Agnimitra Paul reported that her car was attacked in Asansol South.
The election has drawn significant national attention, with top political figures campaigning extensively across the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kolkata to bolster support for the BJP, accompanied by Home Minister Amit Shah, who is expected to remain in the state until 29 April for the second phase of voting.
In a message to voters ahead of polling, Modi urged citizens to participate actively, describing the election as a “festival of democracy,” and made a special appeal to young voters and women to turn out in large numbers.
Meanwhile, at the invitation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to campaign in favour of the TMC during the second phase of the elections on 26–27 April.
Polling in the first phase covered 152 of the state’s 294 constituencies, with the second phase slated for 29 April. Results are expected to be announced on 4 May.
Security arrangements across the state have been unprecedented, with the Election Commission deploying nearly 250,000 personnel—reportedly the highest ever in West Bengal—to ensure a smooth voting process. The tense political atmosphere was underscored by reports that law enforcement agencies even searched diplomatic vehicles, despite established international protocols that typically exempt such vehicles from inspection.
The electoral contest is primarily among the TMC, BJP, Indian National Congress (INC), and the Left Front alliance led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist). In the previous election, the TMC secured a landslide victory, winning 215 seats and ensuring a third consecutive term for Mamata Banerjee.
Massive turnout
This election has also been marked by controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The process reportedly led to the removal of approximately nine million voters—around 12 per cent of the electorate—from the draft voter list, raising concerns about transparency and inclusiveness.
While similar revisions have taken place in other Indian states, West Bengal’s introduction of an additional layer of scrutiny has drawn particular attention from observers. Reports suggest that a significant number of those affected are from minority communities, especially Muslims, with some being labelled as suspected “infiltrators.” Critics argue that such classifications risk disenfranchising legitimate voters and could influence the electoral outcome.
The surge in turnout—exceeding 90 per cent—suggests that voters were highly motivated to participate despite these controversies. Observers believe that the heightened political stakes and public debate over voter eligibility contributed to increased engagement.
Senior West Bengal journalist Abdul Odud described the election as largely peaceful and orderly, noting that enthusiastic participation was evident across polling centres. He also pointed out that the return of migrant workers to their home constituencies played a key role in boosting turnout, as many travelled from other parts of India to cast their votes.
As the state moves toward the next phase of polling, the high turnout and intense political contest indicate that West Bengal remains at the centre of India’s electoral spotlight.
