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Record turnout in West Bengal poll fuels rival claims, data tempers conclusions
Turnout in the first phase of West Bengal's 2026 Assembly elections was 92.88% across 152 constituencies in 16 districts, the highest in the state’s elections since independence. The figure comes despite a voter-list revision that reduced records by about 12% after the Special Intensive Revision removed at least 91 lakh people. The Hindu analysed the data, prompting rival claims and cautions about drawing broad conclusions.
Why It Matters
Turnout figures influence political narratives and campaign messaging, but analysts warn that single-phase data and voter-list revisions can complicate interpretations.
Timeline
3 Events
Publication of article on turnout analysis and rival claims
April 25, 2026
The article summarizing the turnout data, rival claims, and contextual notes was published, presenting the coordinated narrative of record turnout and the data limitations.
The Hindu analysis cites turnout data; highest ever in Bengal
April 24, 2026
The Hindu published an analysis stating the first-phase turnout across 152 constituencies in 16 districts was 92.88%, marking the highest turnout in the state's Assembly elections since independence. It notes that the 12% shrinkage of the voter list after the Special Intensive Revision removed about 91 lakh people, yet the phase recorded record turnout.
First phase voting held; 92.88% turnout across 152 constituencies
April 23, 2026
On April 23, 2026, the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections was held across 152 constituencies in 16 districts. Turnout was reported at 92.88%, the highest for the state's Assembly elections since independence, with 1,478 candidates in the fray. The voter list had been reduced by about 12% after the Special Intensive Revision, removing at least 91 lakh people.