Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to voters in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to participate actively in the Assembly elections, calling voting a “sacred democratic duty” and urging strong turnout, especially among youth and women.
Polling began in both states under heavy security, with authorities aiming for smooth conduct across constituencies.
The elections are seen as politically significant, with Tamil Nadu voting in a single phase and West Bengal in staggered phases.
In a message on X, Modi urged Tamil Nadu voters to set a new benchmark in participation.
He wrote, “As the people of Tamil Nadu prepare to vote in the Assembly elections, I urge all voters to fulfil this sacred democratic duty with great enthusiasm. In particular, I call upon the youth and women of Tamil Nadu to turn out in large numbers and pave the way for a record turnout of votes.”
Issuing a similar appeal for West Bengal, where the first phase of polling was held Thursday, Modi described the exercise as a “festival of democracy.”
He said, “The first phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections is today. I call upon all citizens to participate with full enthusiasm in this festival of democracy. I especially urge my young friends and the women of West Bengal to vote in large numbers.”
Voting began early across both states and will continue until 6pm. Election officials conducted mock polls before opening stations to ensure readiness.
Tamil Nadu’s single‑phase election covers all 234 Assembly constituencies. West Bengal’s two‑phase vote spans 294 seats, with 152 constituencies polling in the first phase and the remainder on 29 April.
According to the Election Commission of India, 1,478 candidates are contesting in the first phase. Counting for both states is scheduled for 4 May.
