Hardoi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 29 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed confidence in the BJP's victory in the Assembly elections in four States and one Union Territory, including West Bengal.
The polling for the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections began this morning, while polls were held in Tamil Nadu, Keralam, Assam and Puducherry concluded earlier this month.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Ganga Expressway in Hardoi, PM Modi hailed the high voter turnout in West Bengal, noting that the people are coming out to exercise their franchise in a fearless atmosphere.
The Prime Minister said, "It is a significant day in the festival of democracy. Polling for the second phase of elections is underway in Bengal. According to reports, Bengal is witnessing high voter turnout. Just like in the first phase, people are coming out of their homes in large numbers to cast their votes, and images of long queues are all over social media."
"Voting is taking place in Bengal this time in a fearless atmosphere, something that was previously difficult even to imagine. This is a symbol of the strengthening of the Constitution and democracy in India. I express my gratitude to the people of Bengal for being so vigilant about their rights and voting in large numbers," he added.
Noting the BJP-NDA's recent poll victories in the Bihar Assembly elections and local body polls in Gujarat, PM Modi expressed confidence in a hat-trick of wins for the party.
PM Modi said, "Some time ago, when elections were held in Bihar, the BJP-NDA had registered a resounding victory, creating history. Just yesterday, the results of the elections for Gujarat's municipal corporations, municipalities, district panchayats, nagar panchayats, and tehsil panchayats were declared. The BJP has won 80 to 85 per cent of the municipalities and panchayats."
"I am confident that in the elections in these five states as well, the BJP is going to complete a historic hat-trick of victories. The results of May 4 will strengthen the resolve for a developed India. They will infuse new energy into the pace of the country's development," the Prime Minister added.
West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 39.97 per cent until 11 am, as polling for the 142 seats in the second phase of Assembly elections is underway.
According to the Election Commission of India, Purba Bardhaman stood at the top, with a voting percentage of 44.50 per cent, followed by Hooghly, which has witnessed 43.12 per cent polling until 11 am.
Counting of votes for Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Keralam, Assam and Puducherry will take place on May 4. The BJP is aiming to retain Assam and Puducherry along with alliance partners and score a win in the remaining three states.