Kolkata: After an unprecedented 92.9% turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, attention has now shifted to the second phase scheduled next Wednesday, and expectations are firmly set for another high voter turnout.

While no official prediction has been made on whether the second phase will surpass the first, political leaders, observers, and voters alike believe participation will remain strong, driven in part by growing concern over electoral roll deletions under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), as stated by a TOI report.

The report says that across districts, anecdotal evidence points to a surge in voter determination.

From a cancer patient cancelling a medical appointment to cast a vote, to migrant workers spending thousands of rupees to return home, a clear pattern is emerging: Voters are unwilling to risk losing their franchise amid fears of being removed from the rolls.

“I skipped voting before, but not this time. If we don’t vote now, we may not get another chance,” said Rokida Bibi, a domestic worker who spent Rs 8,000 to travel back from Mumbai.

Phase 2 will cover the remaining 142 constituencies across eight key districts, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata North, Kolkata South, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, and East Burdwan, areas that together account for over 45 lakh deletions, more than half of the total voter roll reduction in the state.

North 24 Parganas alone recorded over 10 lakh deletions, followed by South 24 Parganas with 9.1 lakh. Kolkata’s constituencies, including Chowringhee, Metiabruz, Kolkata Port and Jorasanko, have also seen some of the highest numbers of deletions, intensifying voter anxiety.

In Nadia district, where the Matua community holds significant influence, nearly 78% of voters placed under scrutiny were removed, the highest rate in the state.

Political reactions remain divided. State minister and Trinamool Congress candidate Sashi Panja expressed confidence that the high turnout trend would continue, citing the scale of deletions as a mobilising factor.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari attributed the surge in participation to growing public discontent with the ruling government.

For many urban voters, including professionals working outside Bengal, the revision process has triggered urgency. Several have already booked return tickets to ensure they can vote in person.

Expected voter turnout in Phase 2

  • Likely to remain very high, close to or above 90%
  • Strong voter mobilisation due to fear of deletion from rolls
  • Higher turnout expected in urban constituencies with large-scale deletions
  • Migrant voters returning home may push numbers further up
  • Competitive political stakes expected to boost participation
  • Districts with highest deletions likely to see intense voter turnout

With large-scale deletions, heightened political stakes, and a palpable sense of urgency among voters, Phase 2 is shaping up to witness another intense and potentially record-level turnout.