Record turnout in West Bengal polls

Both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP have claimed the high turnout as a sign of their impending victory.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the numbers signal a deep desire for change among the Bengali heartland.

However, many residents decry the electoral roll revisions, which they claim disproportionately affected Muslim voters.

The election is being seen as a critical test for the Hindu right as Prime Minister Modi seeks to expand his party's influence beyond its northern strongholds.