PM Narendra Modi asks people to vote in record numbers in Assam, West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged people to cast votes in record numbers as polling began in the morning for the first phase of assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam.

In separate tweets to voters in Assam and Bengal, PM urged those eligible to vote in record numbers in Assam, particularly young people. For voters in Bengal, PM said, people should exercise their franchise in record numbers.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also called on voters to exercise their right to vote as the state goes to polls in the first phase of assembly elections in 30 seats where over 191 candidates in fray.

The BJP hopes to retain power in Assam and defeat the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. Assam and Bengal will have three-phase and eight-phase elections. The counting of votes will be on May 2.