Preliminary estimates show decline in absolute turnout in select constituencies despite high percentage voting
April 24, 2026: An unusual trend has emerged in the first phase of elections in West Bengal, where 10 out of 152 assembly constituencies appear to have recorded a decline in absolute voter turnout compared to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. This is notable as such declines are rare in a growing electorate. The constituencies include Matigara-Naxalbari, Phansidewa, Siliguri, Dabgram-Phulbari, English Bazar, Bhagabangola, Farakka, Lalgola, Samserganj, and Kharagpur Sadar.
Among these, Samserganj is estimated to have seen the steepest drop at 18.9%, followed by smaller declines in Kharagpur Sadar, Lalgola, and Dabgram-Phulbari. Despite the fall in absolute numbers, none of the constituencies recorded turnout below 88.7% in percentage terms, indicating strong voter participation overall. Only in Samserganj does the decline exceed the victory margin of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, making it a key seat to watch.
Experts caution that these figures are based on preliminary calculations using turnout percentages released by the Election Commission of India and estimated elector counts. Factors such as revisions in electoral rolls and the addition of new voters may slightly alter final numbers. However, the trend still points to a noteworthy shift in voting patterns, the reasons for which are likely to be closely analysed.