Desk Correspondent , Kolkata - West Bengal has scripted electoral history by registering its highest-ever voter turnout since Independence, with a combined polling percentage of 92.47 per cent across the first two phases of the 2026 Assembly elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the figure on Wednesday evening, hailing the massive participation as a vibrant “festival of democracy.” Phase I, held on April 23 across 152 constituencies, saw an impressive 93.19 per cent turnout, while Phase II on April 29 recorded 91.66 per cent by 7:45 pm, pushing the overall average to this unprecedented level.

This landmark figure comfortably surpasses the previous state record of 84.72 per cent set during the 2011 Assembly elections and marks a sharp rise from the 82.30 per cent in 2021 and 79.55 per cent in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. With over 6.81 crore registered voters in the state, the surge reflects heightened political awareness amid a fiercely contested battle primarily between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar praised voters, stating, “Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal in both Phase I & II since independence – Chunav ka Parv, Paschim Bengal ka Garv.” The record comes despite a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls that reportedly trimmed around 9-12 per cent of names, yet enthusiasm among remaining voters remained undiminished.

Officials noted strong participation across districts, with several rural and semi-urban areas crossing 95 per cent in Phase I. Isolated incidents of violence were reported but did not significantly dampen the polling process. Political analysts suggest the high turnout could signal strong anti-incumbency sentiments or robust mobilization by major parties. The final turnout figures are expected to be revised slightly upward as last-minute data is compiled. Results for the Assembly elections, seen as a crucial test for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s TMC government, are awaited with exit polls likely to offer early insights into the outcome. This democratic surge underscores West Bengal’s evolving political landscape and the deepening engagement of its electorate in shaping the state’s future.