After scrutiny of the first phase polling in West Bengal, the voter turnout has increased further. The final turnout in the state stands at 93.19 per cent, which the Election Commission said is the highest since Independence.

District-wise, Cooch Behar recorded the highest turnout at 96.2 per cent. While Kalimpong the lowest 83.04 per cent.

A total of 36 million 77 thousand 304 voters were eligible in this phase, of whom 33 million 62 thousand 168 cast their votes. Among them, male voters numbered 17 million 81 thousand 849, while female voters were 16 million 54 thousand 65.

Overall, administrative circles believe that the record turnout in the first phase is not only a statistical milestone, but also a new example of democratic participation by the people of Bengal.