West Bengal Elections 2026: Record-Breaking Voter Turnout as Polling Concludes

Polling for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 concluded on a high note, registering a record voter turnout of over 91 percent, marking one of the highest participation rates in the state's electoral history since independence.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar praised the enthusiastic participation of voters, calling it a moment of pride for the state. He remarked that both Phase I and Phase II witnessed the highest-ever polling percentages, describing the elections as a true celebration of democracy.

According to official data, voter turnout reached approximately 91.62 percent by the end of polling, while interim figures during the day showed a steady rise, with nearly 89.99 percent turnout recorded by 5 pm across 142 seats. This surpassed the turnout recorded in the 2021 Assembly elections for the same constituencies.

In the high-profile Bhabanipur constituency, voting stood at 85.51 percent despite reports of minor clashes and tensions during the day. The seat witnessed a keen contest between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, making it one of the most closely watched battles.

To ensure law and order after polling, around 700 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed across the state. The Election Commission stated that nearly 70,000 security personnel will remain stationed to maintain peace during the post-poll period.

Meanwhile, the ruling All India Trinamool Congress has criticized the continued presence of central forces, alleging political motives, while the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the move as necessary for maintaining security.

With such unprecedented voter participation, the focus now shifts to counting day, as all eyes remain on the final outcome of this high-stakes electoral battle.