West Bengal Records 78.68% Turnout by 3 PM

Kolkata (IANS): Voter participation in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections reached 78.68% by 3:00 PM on Wednesday. The turnout across 142 constituencies remains nearly identical to the high participation seen during the first phase on April 23, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) projecting a final figure of approximately 93%.

Consistent Polling Momentum

Officials from the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office noted an unusual trend: the typical “lull period” between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM did not occur. Instead, voters maintained a uniform and high turnout throughout the day. This year’s figures are substantially higher than the 58.5% average recorded during the same timeframe in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

District and Constituency Highlights

East Burdwan continues to lead the state in engagement, while South Kolkata districts show slightly lower but still robust percentages:

• East Burdwan: 83.11% (Highest)

• Hooghly: 80.77%

• Nadia: 79.79%

• Kolkata (Uttar): 78.00%

• Howrah: 77.73%

• North 24 Parganas: 77.39%

• South 24 Parganas: 76.75%

• Kolkata (Dakshin): 75.38%

At the constituency level, Galsi in East Burdwan recorded the state’s peak turnout at 85.11%, whereas Maheshtala in South 24 Parganas recorded the lowest at 70.1%.

The Bhabanipur Battle

In the high-stakes Bhabanipur constituency, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, turnout reached 75.66% by mid-afternoon. Adhikari previously stated that a turnout exceeding 80% would confirm his victory, with a 90% turnout potentially increasing his winning margin.

Polling will conclude at 6:00 PM under heavy security and ongoing monitoring from central observers.