PM Modi hails 'bumper' voting, calls West Bengal polls largely peaceful

Kolkata: Asserting that the high voter turnout signifies a strong mandate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said there has been "bumper" voting in West Bengal by youth and women, and appreciated the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring largely peaceful and violence-free polls in the first phase of assembly elections in the state.

Amid heavy polling of over 92%, the PM noted that there has been less violence this time. "I congratulate the ECI," he said while addressing a rally at Krishnanagar in Nadia district, which goes to polls on April 29.

"First phase of polling is underway in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. The turnout will break all previous records. ECI has ensured peaceful polling in Bengal," Modi said.


"The high percentage of polling, despite the scorching heat, proves that May 4 will be the day of change in West Bengal. The enthusiasm of voters, especially women and first-time voters, shows that BJP will come to power in the state," he added at a campaign rally in Mathurapur in South 24 Parganas district. Modi said women have realised the "true character" of Trinamool Congress, referring to the party's role in the Lok Sabha in "blocking" the Women's Reservation (Amendment) Bill.

The Prime Minister described the Bengal elections as a battle between "Trinamool Congress and the common people," rather than between BJP and Trinamool.