NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his election campaigning for the West Bengal assembly elections on Monday by addressing the people of the state through an open letter. In the letter, PM Modi reflected on his experiences during the campaign and reiterated his vision of building a ‘Viksito Bangla’ (Developed Bengal).The campaign officially ended today at 5 PM, marking the final phase of political outreach before the upcoming polls on April 29. Besides his letter, the Prime Minister also shared a message on X, highlighting the affection he received during the campaign and expressing confidence in the people’s aspiration for change.In a post on Be it the youth power or the women’s power here, our farmer brothers and sisters, workers or businessmen—everyone is resolute in building a ‘Vikasito Bangla’. In this letter, I have expressed my sentiments towards them.”
Highlights from PM’s letter to Bengal voters
In his letter addressed to the people of West Bengal, PM Modi described the election as a ‘festival of democracy’ and said he felt a strong emotional connection with the state during his campaign visits.He wrote: “Every festival of democracy is sacred. I too got the opportunity to participate in this festival of Bengal. In the past few days, I had the opportunity to present BJP’s roadmap for Bengal’s development before you.”PM Modi said that the campaign experience left a deep emotional impact on him.“During this election, I felt a unique energy in Bengal. Despite the intense heat and so many rallies, I did not feel tired even for a moment. These rallies and roadside shows felt like a pilgrimage to me. Whenever I went among the devotees of Maa Kali, it felt as if Maa Kali herself was constantly filling me with new energy,” he wrote.He also recalled his earlier spiritual practice during the Ram Temple consecration period and highlighted the emotional messages he received during campaigning. “When the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla was held in Ayodhya in January 2024, I had undertaken an 11-day ritual and fast… During this election too, I experienced the same feeling. I have received so many heartfelt messages and images that I will never be able to forget them… I read your affectionate messages and letters, and I also write back.”Focusing on youth, women and development, PM Modi observed that he saw strong aspirations for change among different sections of society in Bengal.“Be it the youth, mothers and daughters, or the elderly—I see affection from people of every age group. That is the true wealth of my life. The youth want opportunities to move ahead. Daughters want an open sky and safety. Every citizen… is moving forward with one resolve—now is the time for change,” he further wrote.Reaffirming his party’s commitment, he said: “Serving Bengal and ensuring its safety is my duty… I will not step back from this responsibility. I assure you that we will all celebrate together the swearing-in ceremony of a BJP Chief Minister in Bengal.”Concluding his letter, PM Modi called for unity in development: “Together, we will make Bengal developed. Many thanks! Vande Mataram!”The polling for Phase I of the assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a significantly higher voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, according to the Election Commission.The second phase of the polling will be held on April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
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