22 constituencies in second phase record 95pc polling: ECI data
The Statesman | 1 May 2026
In an unprecedented polling surge, 22 constituencies recorded polling percentages of above 95 per cent in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly election, with Minakhan in North 24-Parganas emerging as the highest at a remarkable 97.77 per cent.
Though the 142 constituencies of the second phase of polling in the state recorded an overall turnout 92.67 per cent but that took the combined turnout for the first two phases to 92.93 per cent ~ the highest in the state since Independence.
Interestingly enough in the 2021 Assembly election, these 142 constituencies recorded a percentage of 80.4, which is nearly 13 per cent less than the present figures.
According to election commission data, 11 constituencies of North 24-Parganas, 9 constituencies of South 24-Parganas and one constituency each in Howrah and East Burdwan recorded a turnout of above 95 per cent.
So far as individual Assemblies are concerned, Minakhan with 97.77 per cent recorded the highest polling which is closely followed by Canning East in South 24-Parganas that recorded 97.70 per cent and Haroa in North 24-Parganas that recorded 97.34 per cent.
Apart from these, the top performers of North 24-Parganas are Deganga (96.85 per cent) Amdanga (96.03 per cent), Ashoknagar (95.01 per cent), Baduria (95.66 per cent) Barasat South (95.44 per cent), Barasat North (96.62 per cent), Hingalganj (95.41 per cent), Sandeshkhali (95.89 per cent) and Swarupnagar (95 per cent).
Nine constituencies in South 24-Parganas, including Bhangar (96.78 per cent), Canning West (96.43 per cent), Basanti (95.73 per cent), Raidighi (95.70 per cent), Mandirbazar (95.47 per cent), Kulpi (95.42 per cent), Kultali (95.99 per cent) and Kakdwip (95.13 per cent) also recorded turnout above 95 per cent.
Two other constituencies Uluberia South (95.01 per cent) and Ausgram in East Burdwan recorded a polling percentage of above 95.
In the second phase eight districts including Howrah, Hooghly, North 24-Parganas, South 24-Parganas, North Kolkata, South Kolkata, Nadia and East Burdwan were in the fray where there was a strong participation of voters both from urban and rural belts.
Interestingly enough, according to election commission data, though there was a reduction of approximately 51 lakh voters but over 30 lakh more votes were cast this time, pointing to a significant expansion in active voter participation.
Analysts note that such a surge is not merely a statistical outcome of a reduced electorate base but reflects a deeper behavioural shift among voters.
However, this election witnessed even those typically reluctant to visit polling booths turning out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights.
Analysis shows that the rise in turnout per constituency is a result of an average increase of nearly 10,000 voters per Assembly segment.
While the first phase saw an average increase of 14,237 voters per seat, the second phase recorded a comparatively moderate yet significant rise of 6,615 voters per constituency.
Historically, the highest polling percentage in West Bengal prior to this election was recorded in 2011 at 84.33 per cent, a landmark election that ended 34 years of Left Front rule.
The current figures have not only surpassed that benchmark but have also set a new national record in terms of voter turnout across Assembly elections in India.
Interestingly, while similar electoral roll revisions (SIR) were conducted in other states leading to a decrease in voter numbers, none replicated the extraordinary rise in turnout witnessed in West Bengal.
“The data suggests that the increase in turnout cannot be attributed solely to arithmetic adjustments arising from a smaller voter base. Instead, it signals heightened political engagement, intensified electoral mobilisation by parties, and possibly a more competitive electoral environment driving voters to the booths,” political scientist Biswanath Chakraborty said.
The fact that both phases have recorded exceptionally high participation indicates a sustained momentum rather than an isolated spike.
With turnout figures breaching the 92 per cent mark, West Bengal has set a new benchmark in electoral participation, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most politically engaged states in the country.