Voter turnout in Bengal a sign of strengthening democracy: Modi

Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed confidence that the BJP-led NDA would secure an emphatic victory in West Bengal and four other states — Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry.“The results on May 4 will strengthen the resolve for a developed India and infuse new energy into the pace of development,” Modi said while inaugurating the Ganga Expressway in Hardoi.Referring to voter turnout in West Bengal, the Prime Minister described it as a “sacred symbol” of the Constitution and a sign of a strengthening democracy. He also claimed that polling in the state was being conducted in a “fearless atmosphere”.Modi thanked the people of West Bengal for what he described as their awareness of democratic rights and for participating in large numbers.Citing recent electoral performances, he said the BJP-led NDA secured a decisive victory in Bihar a few months ago. He also pointed to the party’s strong showing in local body elections in Gujarat, where it won a majority of seats in municipal councils and nagar panchayats.