New Delhi: It was extremely hot and sultry as the mercury soared in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday. Yet, people in both states beat the heat to step out and cast their vote in record numbers.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Gyanesh Kumar hailed the voters after the two states saw the highest-ever turnout since Independence.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), voter turnout in West Bengal (Phase 1) touched 91.78% and it was 84.69% in Tamil Nadu.
Calling it a significant moment for Indian democracy, the CEC said: “Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence – ECI salutes each voter of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.”
In Tamil Nadu, polling for all 234 seats were held on Thursday, while 152 of the 294 constituencies voted in the first of two phases in West Bengal.
The Election Commission of India said polling was largely peaceful, but called for detailed reports on incidents where clashes and violence took place in some districts.
