PM Modi triggers speculation about 2 phases being clubbed together
PM Narendra Modi on Friday wrapped up his long campaign for Assembly elections in West Bengal in a virtual address with an advice to the voters that triggered speculation about the remaining two phases of polls being clubbed due to rising Covid-19 cases in the state. Mr Modi in his speech suggested to people to go out “only once”to vote though the polls are scheduled on April 26 and 29.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wrapped up his long campaign for the Assembly election in West Bengal in a virtual address with advice to the voters that is likely to trigger speculation in the political circle about whether the remaining two phases — seventh and eighth — of polls would be clubbed due to an explosion of Covid-19 cases in the state.
Mr Modi, who had kickstarted his poll campaign on February 7 from Haldia in East Midnapore, toured the state nearly 12 times since then and addressed two rallies on April 17 during the fifth phase of polls in his last visit here, suggested to the people to go out “only once” though the polls are scheduled on April 26 and 29.
“Now only two phases of polls are left to be held in Bengal. From the perspective of polls, it would have been my last rally if I could have come to you physically for thanksgiving. Virtually anyway, it is my last campaign rally also,” the PM said in his virtual rally for the voters of Kolkata, Birbhum, Malda and Murshidabad.
Keeping the rising Covid-19 cases in mind, he observed, “So far people of Bengal cast their votes very well. The polling has been so heavy that can be an inspiration for the nation. I appeal to you to continue this in the next phases also. Though only two phases are left, you have to go out only once to cast your votes. You will cast your votes while ensuring that you follow the Covid-19 protocol.”
His suggestion came close on the heels of the ruling Trinamul Congress’ demand to the Election Commission to club the remaining phases of polls due to a massive spike in Covid-19 cases. Mr Modi also pinned his hope for the BJP to come to power in the state and repeated his wish to attend the oath-taking ceremony.
“Bengal will win. BJP will win. We will win altogether. Bengal will make progress a lot. It will be a Sonar Bangla. You are taking a big and solid step towards Sonar Bangla on May 2 in the life of Bengal. The new government will be built by the BJP. On its swearing-in ceremony, I will remain present to convey my thanks to you.”