'Vote in record numbers': PM Modi reminds voters of their 'sacred duty' as TN, WB go to polls

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi connected Thursday urged voters to instrumentality portion successful the "sacred work of democracy" arsenic voting began for the high-stakes electoral conflict successful West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.In societal media posts connected X, the Prime Minister asked young voters and women to ballot successful ample numbers."As Tamil Nadu votes successful the Assembly elections, I telephone upon each voters to instrumentality portion enthusiastically successful this ineffable work of democracy. I impulse the younker and the women of Tamil Nadu successful peculiar to travel retired and ballot successful grounds numbers," PM Modi said.

"Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly elections takes spot today. I impulse each citizens to enactment successful this festival of ideology with afloat strength.

I particularly entreaty to my young friends and to the women of West Bengal to ballot successful ample numbers," PM Modi said successful different post.

Voting began for high-stakes polls successful Tamil Nadu for each 234 seats, portion West Bengal is voting for 152 seats successful this phase.Both poll-bound states, governed by determination heavyweights, person witnessed an intense, high-decibel campaign.The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) brigade, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, has pushed hard to situation Mamata Banerjee and MK Stalin, portion Rahul Gandhi and different leaders added to the run blitz.

Amit Shah struck an assertive note, saying, “In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Congress volition not adjacent transverse treble digits.”Even arsenic governmental rhetoric peaked, the Election Commission tightened its vigil. Cash, liquor, drugs and different inducements worthy implicit Rs 1,000 crore person been seized crossed some states, with full recoveries touching Rs 1,072.13 crore since February 26.Over 5.73 crore voters are acceptable to determine the destiny of 4,023 candidates successful the high-stakes Tamil Nadu Assembly elections connected April 23, with choky information successful spot and a sweeping crackdown connected inducements by the Election Commission of India.In West Bengal, parties are contesting for 294 Assembly seats. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), the archetypal signifier covers 152 Assembly constituencies, portion the 2nd signifier includes 142 seats. There are a full of 1,478 candidates successful the fray successful this phase.The authorities is acceptable to witnesser a high-voltage contention betwixt the incumbent Trinamool Congress, which is seeking a 4th consecutive term, and the BJP, which is aiming to signifier the authorities aft a beardown showing successful the erstwhile elections.