Rise in Polling Due to Voter List Purification: N. Ramchander Rao

Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao expressed satisfaction over the record voter turnout registered in the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal , stating that the enthusiasm among voters signals a desire for change. He noted that transparency has improved due to the purification of voter lists undertaken by the Election Commission.

Speaking to the media on Friday, he said the high polling percentages in both states reflect the people’s aspiration for change. Through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission, bogus votes were removed , resulting in a genuine electoral roll . He analysed that this purification exercise has directly contributed to the rise in voter turnout, calling it a positive sign for democracy .

According to details shared by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar , this marks the highest-ever polling in these two states since Independence. Rao congratulated every voter on behalf of the Election Commission.

As per the latest data released by the Election Commission, 91.91 per cent polling was recorded in the first phase in West Bengal. Notably, Dakshin Dinajpur (94.85%) and Cooch Behar (94.54%) witnessed massive voter participation, with several districts crossing the 90 per cent mark .

The state recorded 84.80 per cent polling . Karur district topped the list with 92.48 per cent , followed by Salem (90.42%) , Dharmapuri (90.02%) , and Erode (89.97%) .

Polling for all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 constituencies in West Bengal concluded at 6 pm on Thursday amid tight security arrangements , with voters actively exercising their franchise. Polling for the remaining 142 constituencies in West Bengal will be held on May 29 , while the results for all states will be declared on May 4 . Rao stated that these purification measures have not only increased voter turnout but also strengthened public confidence in the democratic system .

In Tamil Nadu , the voter turnout was around 72.8 per cent in the 2021 Assembly elections and about 74.3 per cent in 2016 . This time, the turnout has increased by nearly 10 percentage points .

In West Bengal , the overall turnout stood at approximately 81.7 per cent in 2021 and 82.2 per cent in 2016 . Compared to those figures, the current data indicates a significant increase .