PM Modi calls voting a sacred duty, urges record turnout in Tamil Nadu and Bengal
New Delhi: Narendra Modi on Thursday urged voters in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to participate in large numbers in the ongoing Assembly elections, describing voting as a “sacred democratic duty.”
In separate posts on X, the Prime Minister made a special appeal to young voters and women to turn out enthusiastically and contribute to a record voter turnout.
“As the people of Tamil Nadu prepare to vote in the Assembly elections, I urge all voters to fulfil this sacred democratic duty with great enthusiasm. In particular, I call upon the youth and women of Tamil Nadu to turn out in large numbers and pave the way for a record turnout of votes,” PM Modi wrote.
He extended a similar message to West Bengal, where the first phase of polling is underway, calling the electoral process a “festival of democracy” and urging people across the state to participate wholeheartedly.
“The first phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections is today. I call upon all citizens to participate with full enthusiasm in this festival of democracy. I especially urge my young friends and the women of West Bengal to vote in large numbers,” he said.
Polling began in both states on Thursday under tight security arrangements and will continue until 6:00 pm. Mock polls were conducted at various polling stations ahead of the voting process to ensure smooth operations.
Tamil Nadu is witnessing a single-phase election across all 234 Assembly constituencies, while West Bengal is holding elections in two phases for its 294 Assembly seats. The first phase in West Bengal covers 152 constituencies, with the second phase scheduled for April 29.
According to the Election Commission of India, a total of 1,478 candidates are contesting in the first phase. The counting of votes is set to take place on May 4.
(DD News)
