In a massive show of strength by the electorate of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on Thursday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) recorded a voter turnout of around 85 per cent in the single-phase Assembly poll in the southern State, while surpassed 90 per cent mark in the first phase in West Bengal, where voter turnout is among the highest in recent electoral history of the State.
“West Bengal records 91.78 pc voting so far in phase 1 of Assembly polls, highest-ever percentage since Independence,” said Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Previously, the highest poll participation in Tamil Nadu was 78.29% (2011) and in West Bengal was 84.72% (2011), respectively. In both West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, women’s participation in voting exceeds that of men.
The second phase of polling in West Bengal will be held on April 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 4, along with States — Assam, Kerala, Puducherry- which went to polls this month.