Historic Voter Turnout Recorded in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu Elections

West Bengal Records Massive 92.25% Voting

Voting turnout in the first phase of assembly elections in West Bengal was very high 92.25% of registered voters. The stage became very important on Thursday and polling had started since 7 am, for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to contest for the top spot.

The campaign for elections saw a heated battle between political parties and while the TMC was focused on welfare schemes such as Lakshmir Bhandar and Bengali pride while the BJP was determined to come to power highlighting the anti-incumbency factor, good governance, job opportunities and illegal infiltration and border security.

Tamil Nadu crosses 85% Turnout Mark

Until 8.50 p.m on Thursday, 85.05% of the electorates of Tamil Nadu had participated in the Assembly election. It was the first time since independence that the turnout in the Tamil Nadu State reached 85% of electorates and the final data from the Election Commission of India was not out yet. This electoral battle is between the Secular Progressive Alliance led by DMK Chief Minister M K Stalin who is fighting to retain power against the National Democratic Alliance led by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami who is fighting to return to power after five years.

Tight Security and Strict Poll Arrangements

To avoid any disturbance or unrest during the polling, thousands of Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams have been deployed all across the regions where the polls were to take place in both West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Cameras have been installed in all polling stations and any technical glitch can lead to repolling, elderly voters have been allotted special arrangements and facilities while mobile phones, prohibited items and party symbols are not allowed.
A valid ID, Voter ID card, Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport or a designated form has to be presented and the Commission has stressed the adherence to the Model Code of Conduct.