CJI Surya Kant Hails 92.7% Turnout in Bengal Polls
Top judge calls high participation a boost to democracy amid largely peaceful Phase 1
- Surya Kant praises record voter turnout
- 92.7% polling recorded in Phase 1 of West Bengal elections
- Court informed migrant workers returned to vote
- Massive security deployment ensured largely peaceful polling
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th April: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday expressed satisfaction over the high voter turnout recorded in the first phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal, calling it a positive sign for democracy.
During a court hearing, the CJI said he felt “very happy” as a citizen witnessing such large participation, adding that democratic institutions are strengthened when people actively exercise their right to vote.
Senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee informed the court that migrant labourers had travelled back to the state from different parts of the country to cast their votes. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta noted that polling remained largely peaceful, with only isolated incidents reported.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked on the nature of political contest, highlighting the impact on ordinary citizens.
The first phase of polling, held on April 23, covered 152 constituencies with approximately 3.6 crore voters. The turnout of 92.7 per cent marks a sharp increase compared to around 84 per cent recorded in the corresponding phase of the 2021 elections.
Despite reports of sporadic violence in some areas, authorities deployed over 2,400 companies of central paramilitary forces across more than 44,000 polling booths to ensure smooth conduct of elections.
The remaining 142 constituencies will go to polls on April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
