New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to citizens in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to participate actively in the ongoing Assembly elections, describing voting as a “sacred democratic duty.”
In separate messages shared on social media platform X, the Prime Minister encouraged people to cast their votes in large numbers, with a special emphasis on youth and women to ensure a strong and record turnout.
Addressing voters in Tamil Nadu, he called upon citizens to take part enthusiastically in the electoral process as the state votes in a single phase for all 234 constituencies. He highlighted the importance of widespread participation in strengthening democracy.
Extending a similar message to West Bengal, where the first phase of polling is underway, the Prime Minister described the elections as a “festival of democracy” and urged people across the state to vote with full energy and commitment.
Polling in both states began in the morning under strict security arrangements and is scheduled to continue until the evening. Officials conducted mock polls at voting stations ahead of the process to ensure smooth functioning of the electronic voting systems.
While Tamil Nadu is witnessing a single-phase election, West Bengal’s polls are being held in two phases, with the first covering a significant number of constituencies and the second scheduled later this month.
According to the Election Commission of India, a large number of candidates are contesting in the elections, making it a closely watched political event. The counting of votes is set to take place in early May.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to conducting free and fair elections, urging voters to come forward and participate peacefully in the democratic exercise.
