From ‘Record’ Turnout to Exit Poll Suggestions: Bengal Elections Take Centre Stage

West Bengal’s high-stakes Assembly elections have delivered a striking combination of record-breaking voter turnout, sharp political contestation, and dramatic exit poll projections, setting the stage for a potentially historic verdict.

The state recorded an extraordinary 91.62% voter turnout by the close of the second phase of polling, underlining an intense level of public participation. The surge mirrored the first phase, which had already seen a remarkable 91.78% turnout, pointing to sustained voter enthusiasm across the state.

District-wise data showed Purba Bardhaman leading with 93.48%, followed by South 24 Parganas (91.73%), North 24 Parganas (91.70%), Hooghly (91.50%), Nadia (91.45%), and Howrah (91.17%). The scale of participation prompted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to declare, "Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal in both Phase I & II since Independence - Chunav ka Parv, Paschim Bengal ka Garv".

The second phase covered 142 of the state’s 294 seats and was widely viewed as a crucial battleground, particularly in South Bengal and Kolkata, traditional strongholds of the ruling Trinamool Congress. Over 2.22 crore voters were eligible to cast their ballots, reflecting the sheer scale of the democratic exercise.

What controversies emerged during polling?

Even as turnout figures soared, political tensions remained high. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed that Bhabanipur witnessed record participation, saying, "In the Bhabanipur assembly constituency, more than 90% of voters have cast their votes. This is a record."

He compared the turnout with previous elections, noting, "In 2021, the voter turnout here was 82%; in 2024, it was 78%."

However, Adhikari also alleged irregularities, claiming, "This time, they could only cast 10-12 fake votes, in which 4-5 men wearing burqas cast votes at some booths in Ward 77." He further added, "We caught them, after which they fled."

The polling process also saw accusations of violence and intimidation from rival parties, highlighting the fiercely contested nature of the election.

What do exit polls suggest about the final outcome?

Exit polls have added another layer of drama, with multiple agencies projecting a possible victory for the BJP in West Bengal. Chanakya Strategies estimated 150–160 seats for the BJP and 130–140 for the TMC. Matrize projected a similar trend, giving BJP 146–161 seats and TMC 125–140. Poll Diary offered a wider margin, predicting 142–171 seats for BJP and 99–127 for the TMC.

These projections suggest a tight but potentially historic contest, as the BJP seeks to unseat Mamata Banerjee’s government, while the TMC aims to secure a fourth consecutive term.

The election saw participation from several key figures, including Mamata Banerjee, Suvendu Adhikari, Abhishek Banerjee, and others, underscoring the political significance of the contest.

With counting scheduled for May 4, the state now awaits results that could reshape its political landscape.

(With inputs from ANI)