Lok Sabha Polls: The votes will be counted on May 23. (Representational)
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."
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."
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."
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.
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.
The national elections will not be about "Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi" but about "democracy", he insisted.
BJP National President Amit Shah, however, urged the "130 crore people of the country" to vote for BJP for a second term.
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.
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."
He also used the hashtag #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar and said people will again vote for BJP in UP and across the country.