Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to voters in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to participate actively in the Assembly elections, urging youth and women to vote in large numbers.
Describing voting as a “sacred duty” of democracy, the Prime Minister, in separate messages, called upon citizens to turn out enthusiastically and strengthen the democratic process.
Tamil Nadu votes in single phase
Polling began across all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu amid security arrangements and will continue till 6 pm.
Officials said the state has over 5.73 crore voters, including 2.93 crore women, 2.80 crore men and 7,728 third-gender voters.
The main contest in the state is between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Actor Vijay’s entry with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has added another dimension to the contest.
Bengal begins first phase polling
In West Bengal, voting is underway for 152 Assembly constituencies in the first phase of the election.
The state is witnessing a contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
According to the Election Commission of India, 1,478 candidates are in the fray in this phase.
Multi-phase schedule
The remaining 142 Assembly seats in West Bengal will go to polls in the second phase on April 29.
Counting of votes for both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with other Assembly elections, is scheduled for May 4.
Officials said arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth and orderly polling across both states.
