Prime Minister Narendra Modi said voting in West Bengal was taking place in a ‘fearless environment’, which was unimaginable in the past six or seven decades.

While inaugurating the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister said reports from the state indicate a strong voter turnout, with long queues visible at polling stations since morning. According to him, the enthusiastic participation of voters reflects growing awareness and confidence in exercising democratic rights. He said,’ ‘What we are witnessing in Bengal today is unprecedented which was difficult to imagine in the past six to seven decades, a fearless environment where people are voting without fear’. 

PM said this is a powerful symbol of the country’s Constitution and the strengthening of democracy. He also thanked the people of Bengal for participating in the democratic process in large numbers and urged them to continue participating in the electoral process with the same enthusiasm throughout the day. 

Voting is underway in 142 constituencies of West Bengal in the second and final phase of polling. The West Bengal Assembly elections are being held in multiple phases, with the first phase completed on April 23. Counting of votes across West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry will take place on May 4.