The sudden statistical spike in the voting percentage is directly linked to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Under the SIR, approximately 27 lakh names were deleted from the electoral rolls, while seven lakh new voters were added. Consequently, the total electorate size for Phase 1 shrank from 3.78 crore in 2021 to 3.60 crore in 2026. However, absolute voter participation surged, with 3.35 crore individuals casting their ballots on April 23, up from 3.15 crore five years ago.
Expressing his delight over the massive democratic participation, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar credited the electorate’s heightened awareness. “Since independence, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have recorded their highest-ever voter turnout,” Kumar noted, extending his gratitude to the voters.
The electoral enthusiasm was exceptionally high in Muslim-majority districts like Murshidabad, Malda, North Dinajpur, and Birbhum. Over 20 assembly constituencies crossed the 94% mark, with Sitalkuchi (97.53%) and Sitai (96.54%) leading the charts. Conversely, Darjeeling registered the lowest, yet highly impressive, turnout at 82.16%.
To facilitate this massive exercise smoothly, the Election Commission set up over 44,000 polling booths across 152 constituencies, including 5,444 booths managed exclusively by women staff. With the revised electoral rolls ensuring a cleaner process, all eyes are now set on the second phase of polling scheduled for April 29.