Bengal Breaks All Records: 92.9% Turnout in Historic Election
KOLKATA — West Bengal has etched its name in the history books with a staggering 92.9% total voter turnout across two phases of the 2026 Assembly elections. According to the State’s Chief Electoral Officer, this is the highest polling percentage recorded in any Assembly election in the State since Independence.
The second and final phase on Wednesday saw 92.6% of the electorate cast their votes across 142 seats, following a record-shattering 93.19% in the first phase.
Phase 2: District-Wise Turnout (Provisional)
While the final figures are expected to rise, the rural heartlands led the charge in democratic participation.
| District | Turnout (%) |
| Purba Bardhaman | 93.83% (Highest) |
| South 24 Parganas | 93.48% |
| North 24 Parganas | 92.92% |
| Howrah | 92.59% |
| Nadia | 92.14% |
| Kolkata North | 89.36% |
| Kolkata South | 87.84% (Lowest) |
The Bhabanipur Face-off: Mamata vs. Suvendu
The Bhabanipur constituency remained the storm center of the election. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, locked in a fierce battle with BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, personally visited several booths, accusing Central forces and observers of acting as “agents” for the BJP.
Tensions peaked when Mr. Adhikari arrived in the constituency. Surrounded by TMC supporters chanting “Joy Bangla,” the BJP candidate was seen running through the streets of Bhabanipur to reach different polling stations under heavy security cover. Similar scenes of confrontation were reported from the Kolkata Port seat.
Allegations of Rigging and Violence
Despite the high turnout, the day was marred by reports of unrest and bizarre electoral malpractices:
- The “Taped” EVM: In the Falta constituency (South 24 Parganas), BJP candidate Debangshu Panda alleged that the button for the BJP on EVM machines had been covered with tape at several booths to prevent voters from selecting the party.
- CAPF Excesses: The TMC raised serious allegations against the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). In Satgachia, a child was reportedly injured during CAPF action, while in Ausgram, a voter was allegedly severely beaten by security personnel.
- Belsingha Baton-Charge: In Falta, CAPF personnel resorted to a baton-charge against a group of women who were protesting the role of the Central forces at booth number 186.
Security Blanket to Remain
Taking no chances with post-poll violence, the Election Commission has decided to retain 700 companies of Central forces in West Bengal. These forces will remain stationed across sensitive districts until the results are declared on May 4.