Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described his month-long campaign in West Bengal as a 'spiritual experience' and expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will form the next government.
In an audio message and open letter to the people of West Bengal, Modi said he felt energized by the love and support of the people, comparing his rallies and roadshows to a 'pilgrimage.'
He also thanked the residents of West Bengal and urged them to vote in the second and last phase of the state polls, assuring them that the Election Commission has deployed central forces at every nook and corner to ensure a peaceful election.
Modi's comments come as the BJP seeks to make a comeback in the state, which has been ruled by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for over a decade.
The second phase of the election is seen as a deciding factor in the West Bengal polls, with the TMC controlling seven districts.
Modi also referred to the first war of Indian independence, which took place in Barrackpore in 1857, and said that the people of Bengal are seeking change.
He also highlighted the BJP's electoral promises, including a monthly monetary assistance of ₹3,000 for women and unemployed people, and the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations for state employees.
