The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections witnessed an unusual trend of voting, with over 95 percent polling recorded in 22 constituencies, led by North 24 Parganas' 'Minakhan' constituency with a notable figure of 97.77 percent.
In the state, a total of 92.67 percent voting was recorded in all 142 constituencies that went to polls in the second phase, taking the combined polling percentage of both phases to 92.93 percent, the highest in the state since independence. Interestingly, in the 2021 Assembly elections, these same constituencies had witnessed 80.4 percent voting, about 13 percent less than the current rate.
As per Election Commission data, over 95 percent voting was recorded in 11 constituencies of North 24 Parganas and nine in South 24 Parganas, while one constituency each in Howrah and East Burdwan witnessed record polling. If different Assembly constituencies are considered, Minakhan topped the list with 97.77 percent, followed by South 24 Parganas' Canning East with 97.70 percent and North 24 Parganas' Haroa with 97.34 percent.
Besides, other key areas in North 24 Parganas included Deganaga (96.85 percent), Amdanga (96.03 percent), Ashoknagar (95.01 percent), Baduria (95.66 percent), Barasat South (95.44 percent), Barasat North (96.62 percent), Hingalganj (95.41 percent), Sandeshkhali (95.89 percent), and Swarupnagar (95 percent). Analysis reveals that the increase in voting in each constituency has resulted in an average increase of around 10,000 voters.
Where the first phase had witnessed an average increase of 14,237 voters per seat, the second phase saw a relatively moderate but significant increase of 6,615 voters per constituency. Historically, the highest voting percentage in West Bengal before this election was 84.33 percent recorded in 2011, which had ended the 34-year rule of the Left Front. The current figures have not only surpassed this record but also set a new national record in terms of voting in Assembly elections in India.
Political expert Vishwanath Chakraborty said, "The statistics suggest that the increase in voting is not just because of a smaller voter base, but it also indicates increasing political activity, the pace of election campaigns by political parties, and possibly a more competitive electoral environment, which has encouraged voters to come to the polling stations."
The unusually high participation in both phases points to the fact that the voting trend is getting stronger. By crossing the 92 percent mark, West Bengal has set a new benchmark for electoral participation, further consolidating its position as one of the most politically conscious states in the country.