Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 29 April declared that the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly election marks a "significant moment" in India's democratic journey, citing a "massive voter turnout" and a fear-free atmosphere he described as unprecedented in the state's recent history. Speaking at a public rally in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, after inaugurating the Ganga Expressway, Modi said such fearless voting in Bengal was "once even difficult to imagine" over the last six or seven decades.

What Modi Said About Bengal Voting

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister quoted ground reports indicating large-scale voter participation. "Reports emerging from the ground indicate that Bengal is witnessing a massive voter turnout. Just as in the first phase, the public is stepping out of their homes in large numbers to cast their votes. Images of long queues have flooded social media," Modi said.

He described the atmosphere as a "sacred symbol" of the Constitution and of India's strengthening democracy. "Voting is taking place in Bengal this time in a fearless atmosphere — something that had not occurred in the last six or seven decades, and which was once even difficult to imagine," he added. Modi also urged voters to sustain their enthusiasm, noting that considerable polling time still remained.

Polling Details: 142 Constituencies Under Heavy Security

The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls covers 142 constituencies across six districts, including the state capital Kolkata. The other districts where polling is being held are North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Howrah, Nadia, and East Burdwan.

The election is being conducted under unprecedented security arrangements, with 2,407 companies of central forces deployed — comprising Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the India Reserve Battalion, and armed police personnel from other states, in addition to West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police.

BJP's Confidence Across Five State Elections

Modi expressed strong confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) securing victories across all five states currently holding Assembly elections — Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, and Puducherry. "I have full faith that in these five Assembly elections, the BJP will make a hat-trick of historic wins," he said, adding that the May 4 results would "further strengthen the resolution of Viksit Bharat."

Recent Electoral Wins Cited

The Prime Minister also recalled recent electoral performances to bolster confidence. He referenced the BJP-NDA alliance's "resounding victory" in Bihar and pointed to Gujarat local body results declared the previous day, claiming the BJP had won between 80–85 per cent of Municipal Councils and Panchayats in the state. "The people of my Uttar Pradesh will be delighted to learn" of this outcome, he said, addressing the Hardoi audience directly.

This comes amid intense political competition in West Bengal, where the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) is seeking to retain power against a resurgent BJP. The results on May 4 will be closely watched as a barometer of the BJP's national expansion strategy ahead of future electoral cycles.