Mamata Banerjee Claims Early Voting Indicates TMC's Victory in West Bengal Elections
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed optimism about the TMC's chances in the ongoing elections, citing a record voter turnout of 89.93% by 5 PM. She emphasized her focus on ending the BJP's rule at the center rather than seeking any personal political position. However, the elections faced challenges, including reports of EVM malfunctions that prevented some voters from casting their ballots. As the voting continues, Banerjee's remarks highlight the TMC's confidence in securing a victory.
Apr 23, 2026, 19:41 IST
Mamata Banerjee's Response to Record Voter Turnout
On Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her thoughts following a record voter turnout in the first phase of elections, suggesting that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is already positioned to win. During an election rally in Kolkata, Banerjee stated that the number of votes cast so far indicates a favorable outcome for the TMC. She emphasized her lack of interest in any position, stating her primary goal is to end the BJP government at the center. At a rally in the Bowbazar area of Kolkata, she mentioned that after winning the elections, she would unite all opposition parties to achieve victory in Delhi. Banerjee noted that based on her understanding of the people's sentiments and the voting trends observed today, they are already in a winning position.
Voting Statistics Until 5 PM
Voting Recorded at 89.93% by 5 PM
By 5 PM, a remarkable 89.93% voter turnout was recorded as voting took place for 152 out of 294 assembly seats in the first phase. The next phase is scheduled for April 29, with vote counting set for May 4. According to the election commission, the initial two hours of voting on Thursday saw a turnout of 18.76%. Voting commenced at 7 AM across 152 assembly seats in 16 districts under unprecedented security. By 9 AM, 18.76% of the 3.60 crore eligible voters had exercised their right to vote. The highest turnout in the first two hours was reported at 22.05% for the Bankura assembly seat, followed by 21.85% in Samserganj, Murshidabad, and 21.83% in Chandrakona, West Medinipur. The lowest turnout was recorded at 15.57% in Cooch Behar South, followed by 15.64% in Chanchal, Malda, and 15.98% in Harishchandrapur. Some voting was disrupted due to technical issues with the EVMs, and officials reported that repairs were underway.
Allegations of EVM Malfunctions
Sanjay Adhikari Claims Voting Disruption Due to EVM Issues
Congress candidate Sanjay Adhikari from Suri alleged that he was unable to cast his vote due to EVM malfunctions, despite arriving at his polling station by 7 AM. After nearly an hour of halted voting, Adhikari informed media outlets that he had already lodged complaints with the district magistrate and local polling officials, but the machines had yet to be repaired. He noted that hundreds of voters were already lined up outside the booth, and there was no election commission representative present to inform them when voting would resume.