West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: Phase 1 Participation Reaches 92.72%, Marking Highest Rate Since Independence

According to data from the Election Commission, the voter turnout for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 reached a remarkable 92.72%, establishing a new record for the state.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar indicated that this turnout, previously reported at 91.78%, is the highest recorded in West Bengal since Independence.

The polling occurred across 16 districts, covering 152 of the 294 assembly seats with 1,478 candidates, including 167 women, all under strict security measures. The Bhagawangola constituency noted the highest participation at 96.58%, reflecting robust voter engagement throughout the day.

Multiple districts in West Bengal surpassed 90% turnout, led by Dakshin Dinajpur at 94.85%, followed by Cooch Behar at 94.54%, Birbhum at 93.70%, Jalpaiguri at 93.23%, and Murshidabad at 92.93%, illustrating consistently high voter turnout across the state.

Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar remarked that West Bengal and Tamil Nadu achieved their highest-ever voter turnout since Independence, applauding voters for their active involvement in the democratic process.

As of 11 am, the recorded voter turnout was 41%.