PM, Shah welcome festival of democracy, urge people to bless BJP

New Delhi [India], Mar 10 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday welcomed the announcement of the schedule for 17th Lok Sabha elections by the Election Commission of India (ECI), terming the poll as a ‘festival of democracy.’
“The festival of democracy—elections are here. I urge my fellow Indians to enrich the 2019 Lok Sabha elections with their active participation. I hope this election witnesses a historic turnout,” Modi wrote on Twitter.
He particularly called upon first-time voters to ‘vote in record numbers.’
Prime Minister also praised the ECI for ‘assiduously’ organising elections for several years.
“Best wishes to the Election Commission, all those officials and security personnel who will be on the field, across the length and breadth of India assuring smooth elections. India is very proud of the EC for assiduously organising elections for several years,” he said.
PM Modi wished all the candidates for the ensuing polls, saying that they may belong to different parties but their aim must be the same. “Wishing all political parties and candidates the very best for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. We may belong to different parties but our aim must be the same- the development of India and empowerment of every Indian!” PM Modi wrote on Twitter.
Prime Minister Modi also reminded the people that in 2014, the UPA was voted out of power due to ‘unprecedented anger’ over the UPA’s corruption, nepotism, and policy paralysis.
“In 2014, the people comprehensively rejected the UPA. There was unprecedented anger over the UPA’s corruption, nepotism and policy paralysis. India’s self-confidence was at an all-time low and the people of India wanted to rid the nation of such decay and pessimism,” he said.
In a series of tweets, PM Modi claimed that in the last five years, with the blessing of 130 crore Indians, ‘what was earlier deemed impossible has now become possible.
“2019 polls are about a spirit of confidence and positivity with which India is fulfilling the aspirations of its people,” he tweeted.
BJP president Amit Shah also ‘welcomed’ the declaration of election schedule for the 17th Lok Sabha.
“We welcome the declaration of elections for the 17th Lok Sabha. I call upon the people of India to turn out in record numbers and enhance the vibrancy of India's electoral process,” the BJP president tweeted urging the people to ‘bless’ BJP for the upcoming polls.
“I urge 130 crore people of India to bless @BJP4India in the upcoming polls. Under the leadership of PM @narendramodi, NDA government has achieved phenomenal results in various spheres of governance. #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar,” he tweeted soon after the EC announced the dates for the upcoming general elections.
The Congress Party too signalled that it was ready for the polls. The party tweeted from its official handle a poem and a video with the voice-over of “aarambh hai prachand song.”
ECI on Sunday announced the schedule for the 17th Lok Sabha election, which will be held in seven phases beginning April 11. The final phase of voting will take place on May 19. The counting of votes will be done on May 23. (ANI)