Hardoi, April 29 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the second phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly election marks a “significant moment” in the celebration of democracy as the state is witnessing “massive voter turnout”.

He said that the public is exercising their franchise without any fear, which now stands as a “sacred symbol” of the Constitution and democracy of the country.

The Prime Minister also expressed confidence in winning the Assembly elections across Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala and Puducherry.

Addressing a massive public gathering in Hardoi after inaugurating the Ganga Expressway, PM Modi said, “Reports emerging from the ground indicate that Bengal is witnessing a massive voter turnout. Just as in the first phase, the public is stepping out of their homes in large numbers to cast their votes. Images of long queues have flooded social media.”

He thanked the people of Bengal for participating in the democratic process in large numbers.

“Voting is taking place in Bengal this time in a fearless atmosphere — something that had not occurred in the last six or seven decades, and which was once even difficult to imagine. People are casting their votes without any fear. This stands as a sacred symbol of the country’s Constitution and of our strengthening democracy,” the Prime Minister added.

Appealing to the electorate, PM Modi said, “There is a lot of time left for the voting to end. I would urge the people of Bengal to continue their participation in the democratic process with the same enthusiasm.”

Polling is underway in 142 constituencies across six districts of West Bengal, including its capital, Kolkata, in the second phase of the two-phase Assembly polls. Apart from Kolkata, the six districts where polling is being held are North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Howrah, Nadia and East Burdwan.

The second phase of the Assembly polls is being conducted under unprecedented security cover, with the deployment of 2,407 companies of central forces, including Central Armed Police Forces, the India Reserve Battalion, and personnel from armed police wings of other states, in addition to personnel from West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police.

Recalling the recent electoral victories, he said, “Some time ago, when elections were held in Bihar, the BJP-NDA alliance registered a resounding victory, truly creating history. Just yesterday, the election results for the Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, District Panchayats, Nagar Panchayats, and Taluka Panchayats in Gujarat were declared. And now, the people of my Uttar Pradesh will be delighted to learn that the BJP has won between 80-85 per cent of these Municipal Councils and Panchayats.”

PM Modi expressed confidence that the BJP-led NDA will register “historic” wins in the Assembly elections across Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala and Puducherry.

“I have full faith that in these five Assembly elections, the BJP will make a hat-trick of historic wins. The May 4 results will further strengthen the resolution of Viksit Bharat and give new energy to the development pace of the country. For the rapid progress of the country, we have to develop sufficient infrastructure also,” he added.

–IANS

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