Record turnout in Bengal, Tamil Nadu polls

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Kolkata
• Apr 23, 2026
• 597

There was a massive voter turnout in the Assembly elections held in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday, with both states recording historic participation levels.

In West Bengal, 152 out of 294 constituencies went to polls in the first phase, registering an impressive turnout of 92.10%. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu recorded 84.95% voting across all 234 seats. According to the Election Commission of India, the figures are based on data available till 8 pm and may be revised.

Both states witnessed their highest voter turnout since Independence. Earlier, Tamil Nadu’s highest turnout was 78.29% in 2011, while West Bengal had recorded 84.72% the same year.

After casting her vote, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the people of Bengal had voted decisively against the SIR. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on the other hand, claimed that the ruling party Trinamool Congress was facing a setback.

Earlier, Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on April 9 also saw high voter turnout. Assam recorded 85.91%, Puducherry nearly 90%, and Kerala its highest turnout since 1987 at 78.27%.

The results for all five states will be declared simultaneously on May 4.