The ruling BJP seems set for a hattrick in the Gujarat state assembly.
On a day that witnessed an unprecedented surge of voter turnout of 70% for the second and final phase of polling in which large chunks of voters in urban areas cast their vote, Gujarat chief minister Narenda Modi cast his ballot early.
Symbolically dressed in a saffron kurta, the CM urged the state to break the previous record of voting percentage. Using the social media, he even tweeted to his supporters: ?Going to cast my vote for Gujarat Elections 2012. Let’s vote and break our own record of the 1st phase!?
As if responding to the clarion call of their CM, people came out in large numbers and serpentine queues could be seen outside polling booths, indicating a groundswell of voter participation in an election, which has, on the face of it, been devoid of any major issues.
The Gujarat CM expressed confidence of winning the assembly elections and forming the next BJP government.
?I thank all voters. In this election, people of Gujarat will make a hattrick by giving a third term to us. The people of the state will once again vote BJP to power… the sentiments of people here is giving you a clear indication of that,? Modi told reporters after casting his vote.
?This election will be a historic one in India as it has been contested on the issues of good governance and development plank… and has been contested with people’s participation,? Modi said.
?It is a very peaceful election; it was such an election which has been contested by the people of Gujarat themselves… it was an election where the youth and women folk had taken up the responsibility on their shoulders,” he said.
?It will also be a memorable one as for the first time, 3D technology was used here, which has never been done in world before..,” Modi said, referring to use of 3D Holographic technology to air his poll speeches at different locations simultaneously.
?In the field of technology people will have to acknowledge Gujarat’s mettle… this is my firm belief,? Modi said.
