Highest turnout since 1947: Bengal sees 92.25% polling, Tamil Nadu 85.03%

24-Apr-2026

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West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on April 23 recorded their highest-ever voter turnout since Independence, with polling figures touching 92.25 per cent and 85.03 per cent respectively, according to the Chief Election Commission Gyanesh Kumar. The twin electoral exercises saw heavy participation despite sporadic incidents of violence in parts of Bengal and a closely watched multi-cornered contest in Tamil Nadu.

In West Bengal, the first phase of Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm amid reports of clashes between Trinamool Congress and BJP workers in several pockets. Incidents were reported from Murshidabad, where supporters of Humayun Kabir’s AJUP and TMC workers clashed, and in Dakshin Dinajpur, where a BJP candidate was allegedly assaulted.

Tamil Nadu, voting in a single-phase election, also saw steady participation throughout the day, recording 85.03 per cent turnout till 7 pm among about 5.67 crore eligible voters. The state is witnessing a three-cornered contest between the ruling DMK, the AIADMK-BJP alliance and actor Vijay's TVK. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the scale of participation in both states marked a historic high since 1947, describing it as a strong reflection of voter engagement.