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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said voters in West Bengal are participating in the Assembly elections in a “fearless atmosphere”, calling it a significant shift from the past.

 

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Ganga Expressway in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, Modi said the ongoing second and final phase of polling in the state was witnessing enthusiastic participation.

 

“Voting for the second phase is underway in Bengal, and reports indicate a massive turnout, with people stepping out in large numbers just like in the first phase. Images of long queues at polling stations are flooding social media, reflecting the enthusiasm of the people to exercise their democratic right,” he said.

 

“What we are witnessing in Bengal today is unprecedented, which was difficult to imagine in the past six to seven decades, a fearless environment where people are voting without fear,” the prime minister added.

 

Polling is underway in 142 constituencies in the second phase, while the first phase covering 152 seats in the 294-member Assembly was held on April 23.

 

Describing the electoral exercise as a “festival of democracy”, Modi said the large turnout reflects growing awareness among citizens about their constitutional rights.

 

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“This is a powerful symbol of our Constitution and the strengthening of democracy. I express my gratitude to the great people of Bengal for being so aware of their rights and participating in large numbers,” he said.

 

With several hours of voting still remaining, the prime minister urged voters to continue participating in the process with the same enthusiasm.

 

Modi also referred to recent electoral outcomes in other states, saying the BJP-led NDA had secured a decisive victory in the Bihar Assembly elections. He added that local body election results in Gujarat showed the BJP winning nearly 80 to 85 per cent of municipalities and panchayats.

 

“The results on May 4 will further strengthen the resolve of a developed India and will infuse new energy into the pace of development of the country,” he said.

 

Counting of votes for Assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry is scheduled for May 4.