Political leaders across the country today welcomed the Election Commission announcement after the poll body said the seven-phased national elections will begin from April 11. The votes will be counted on May 23.
PM Narendra Modi, in a series of tweets, said, "Festival of democracy is here" and urged the first time voters to "vote in record numbers".
"Guided by 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', NDA seeks your blessings again," he said.
Congress-led UPA was rejected comprehensively by people in 2014, PM wrote on Twitter said, and added, "There was unprecedented anger over the UPA's corruption, nepotism and policy paralysis."
Guided by 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', NDA seeks your blessings again.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 10, 2019
We spent the last five years fulfilling basic necessities that were left unfulfilled for 70 long years. Now, time has come to build on that and create a strong, prosperous & secure India. #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 10, 2019
Opposition leaders, however, attacked the BJP-led government at the centre as they called upon people to exercise their franchise and vote against the ruling party.
Taking a sharp dig at the Modi government, BSP Chief Mayawati said: "Anti-poor & pro-capitalist Modi govt functioning disturbed peace & tranquility, causing unrest & anger among masses. India's 130 crore peace loving people certainly deserve a better govt. Hence new govt must honour constitution, respect democratic values & care sarvasamaj."
Anti-poor & pro-capitalist Modi govt functioning disturbed peace & tranquillity, causing unrest & anger among masses. India's 130 crore peace loving people certainly deserve a better govt. Hence new govt must honour constitution, respect democratic values & care sarvasamaj.
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) March 10, 2019
Stressing on the importance of free and fair polls, in another tweet, she said: "Crores of poor, labourers, farmers, women, youth etc participate in great strength in polling. Respecting them, free, fair and peaceful polling is utmost necessary."
On its official account, Congress, in a tweet in Hindi, said the voters will fight against ruling government that has been lying to the people of the country. "The bugle is blown and now it is the turn of the public," the post read.
In another tweet, the party said: "You have a stake in this country & your voice should be heard."
Now that the Election Commission has announced the dates for the Lok Sabha elections, you only have a few weeks to register as a voter before the deadline. Make sure you get a chance to exercise your right, register here: https://t.co/rvn2KWpPS4#RegisterToVote pic.twitter.com/Yj7n3cH19y
— Congress (@INCIndia) March 10, 2019
You have a stake in this country & your voice should be heard. The future is yours, own it. This is your chance- #RegisterToVote here: https://t.co/rvn2KWpPS4 pic.twitter.com/3araMjSpoy
— Congress (@INCIndia) March 10, 2019
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also attacked the ruling party over moves such as demonetisation. "Time to throw out the most dictatorial and anti-federal govt in the history of India. Time to seek answers on demonetisation, jobs, destruction of traders n destroying brotherhood amongst different communities," his tweet read.
Ultimately back to We the people -the real power of our democracy. Time to throw out the most dictatorial and anti-federal govt in the history of India. Time to seek answers on demonetisation, jobs, destruction of traders n destroying brotherhood amongst different communities
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 10, 2019
Senior Congress leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the upcoming general elections would be "fight against fascism".
"We are glad that the elections are finally announced by the Election Commission. My best wishes for the officers who are entrusted with the responsibility to ensure smooth functioning of World's largest democratic process," he said.
We are looking forward to this election as an opportunity to fight against fascism.@BJP4India loss will be a win for #Democracy.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 10, 2019
This election will be an answer for fake promises
This election will be an answer for atrocities on Dalits#Elections2019@INCKarnataka
The national elections will not be about "Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi" but about "democracy", he insisted.
This election is not about Congress & BJP or any other party
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 10, 2019
This election is not about @RahulGandhi & @narendramodi
This is about#Democracy v/s #Autocracy
I want Democracy to win
I urge all the people to fight for democracy & truth in the #Elections2019@INCKarnataka
BJP National President Amit Shah, however, urged the "130 crore people of the country" to vote for BJP for a second term.
I urge 130 crore people of India to bless @BJP4India in the up-coming polls. Under the leadership of PM @narendramodi, NDA government has achieved phenomenal results in various spheres of governance. #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 10, 2019
In several other tweets, he elaborated on the achievements of the Modi government, using the hashtag #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar. "NDA government has achieved phenomenal results in various spheres of governance," he said.
Under the visionary leadership of PM @narendramodi ji, Indian economy has emerged as the fastest growing economy. NDA government undertook unprecedented reforms which made doing business in India easier than ever before. #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 10, 2019
Initiatives such as Jan Dhan, Ujjwala, Mudra Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, PM Awaas Yojana and more have ensured a life of dignity for millions of Indians. Modi government's efforts to eliminate poverty has shown transformational results.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 10, 2019
In the last five years, India's prestige on the world stage stands enhanced significantly. Value of the Indian passport has increased. Our country has emerged as a leading voice in the global fight against terrorism, climate change and black money. #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 10, 2019
Calling the upcoming elections, "Mahakumbh of democracy," Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "Uttar Pradesh and India will vote for a stable and strong government by actively participating in the greatest festival of democracy."
Nation will vote for the leadership which is tirelessly working to build New India and New Uttar Pradesh. People will vote against opportunistic and corrupt forces that promote casteism, corruption, nepotism and dynasty rule. #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) March 10, 2019
He also used the hashtag #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar and said people will again vote for BJP in UP and across the country.
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