Record 91% turnout in West Bengal's phase two poll; total State turnout highest since Independence
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500+ questions on Polity with explanations
📌 Summary:
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West Bengal recorded 91% voter turnout in Phase 2 of Assembly elections — highest in phase 2; overall State turnout highest since Independence
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High turnout occurred despite the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process that deleted 89 lakh names from electoral rolls
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SIR context: The revision was conducted ahead of elections; disproportionate deletions in Muslim-dominated areas raised disenfranchisement concerns (covered separately by EC-SC editorial)
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Significance: High turnout paradox — even with SIR deletions, those remaining on rolls voted in large numbers; signals strong electoral participation
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Election Commission deployed: 8,000 micro-observers, central forces, appellate tribunals to manage the controversy
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Results expected May 4; exit polls show close contest between BJP and TMC
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Democratic significance: West Bengal elections viewed as key test for electoral integrity post-SIR controversy
📌 UPSC Relevance:
- GS2: Elections, voter participation, Election Commission, democratic processes
📌 Prelims Facts:
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SIR: Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls — contentious process in WB
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West Bengal: 294 Assembly seats | Two-phase election: Phase 1 (April 23), Phase 2 (April 29)
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EC used Form 6 for voter registration; appellate tribunals under SC oversight for disputed deletions
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