New Delhi, April 25, 2026 — The Supreme Court on Friday lauded the unprecedented voter participation in the first phase of West Bengal Assembly elections and the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, describing the high turnouts as a powerful demonstration of democratic strength and citizen empowerment.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, heading a bench hearing petitions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, expressed delight over the polling figures. “Individually, as a citizen of India, I was very happy to see the percentage of voting,” the CJI remarked. He added that when people exercise their right to vote in large numbers, it reflects that citizens realise their power lies in the democratic act of voting, and such participation discourages violence while strengthening the democratic process.

The Supreme Court noted that the polling in West Bengal’s first phase on April 23 was largely peaceful with minimal violence, calling the high turnout a “true sign of democracy” and a “triumph of the democratic spirit.”

Record-Breaking Turnouts

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), both states recorded their highest voter turnouts since Independence on April 23, 2026:

  • West Bengal (Phase 1): Polling was held for 152 out of 294 Assembly seats. The final turnout reached approximately 91.78% to 92.88% across various reports, surpassing the previous record of 84.72% set in 2011. Several districts crossed 90%, with Dakshin Dinajpur recording the highest at over 94%. Women voters led the surge with turnout exceeding that of men.
  • Tamil Nadu: Voting took place in a single phase across all 234 constituencies. The state registered around 84.69% to 85.13% turnout, breaking its earlier high of 78.29% from 2011. Women participation here too outpaced men, with districts like Karur, Salem, and Dharmapuri crossing 90%.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar hailed the voters, stating: “Highest-ever polling percentage in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence — the ECI salutes every voter of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.” He described the massive participation as a proud moment for Indian democracy.

The record turnouts came amid a contentious Special Intensive Revision of voter lists in West Bengal, which had led to deletion of a significant number of names and petitions in the Supreme Court. Despite these issues and sporadic reports of tension or minor violence in parts of West Bengal, the overall conduct of polling was described as smooth and largely free of major incidents.

The Supreme Court allowed parties to approach the Calcutta High Court or tribunals for individual voter roll disputes but refused blanket interventions, emphasising faith in the electoral process shown by the high participation.

Political parties across the spectrum welcomed the high turnout, though they offered differing interpretations of what it signified for the upcoming results. Counting of votes for both states (along with other ongoing Assembly elections) is scheduled for May 4, 2026. The second phase of West Bengal polls is set for April 29.

This strong show of voter engagement is being seen as a significant boost to democratic credentials amid the multi-phase electoral exercise in 2026.