West Bengal Assembly Election 2026: Record-Breaking 91.66% Turnout in Final Phase

In a massive display of democratic fervor, West Bengal has recorded an approximate 91.66% voter turnout in the second and final phase of the 2026 Assembly Elections. This follows an equally staggering Phase 1 turnout, signaling one of the most highly engaged elections in the state's post-Independence history. The Final Surge: High Turnout Across 142 Seats ​The second phase, conducted on April 29, 2026, covered 142 constituencies across South Bengal and the Kolkata region. While the Election Commission of India (ECI) initially reported a turnout of 78.68% by 3:00 PM, the final hours saw a significant surge as voters remained in long queues well past the 6:00 PM closing time. Key Turnout Statistics by District: District Approximate Turnout (%) Purba Bardhaman 92.46% Hooghly 90.34% Nadia 89.79% Howrah 89.44% Kolkata South 81.20% As of 7:45 PM, poll-participation in West Bengal (Phase-II) stood at 91.66%. In phase -I of the West Bengal general elections, the poll-participation was 93.19%. The combined poll-percentage over the two-phases stands at 92.47%. Previously, the highest poll-participation in WB was 84.72% (2011 GELA). High-Stakes Battles & Ground Reality ​The final phase was defined by the high-profile contest in Bhawanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari found themselves in the same polling booth area in Chakraberia. Although no direct interaction occurred, the atmosphere remained electric, reflecting the "prestige battle" between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite the high participation, the day was not without friction. Reports of sporadic violence and "lathi charges" emerged from areas like Bhangar, while allegations of polling agent irregularities were raised in Entally. Political analysts suggest that such a "monster turnout"—exceeding 91%—often indicates a strong "pro-incumbency" or a fierce "wave for change." With Phase 1 also recording over 92%, the total state average is set to break all previous records. ​The fate of 1,448 candidates is now sealed in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The state now moves into a tense waiting period before the official counting begins on May 4, 2026.