"Voter ID More Powerful Than IED," Says PM After Voting In Ahmedabad

A voter ID is more powerful than the IED (improvised explosive device) of terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today after voting in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, where he held a mini-roadshow in an open jeep, walked down the streets and addressed the media.

"The weapon of terrorism is IED, the strength of democracy is a voter ID. I can say with certainty that the voter ID is much, much more powerful than an IED, so we should understand the strength of our voter IDs," he said on his "IED vs voter ID" theme that appeared to be a reminder of his government's national security plank.

Ditching the usual bulletproof vehicle, PM Modi arrived in an open jeep to the voting centre at Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip; the jeep moved slowly through the crowd, roadshow-style. Surrounded by his bodyguards, PM Modi folded his hands and spent several moments waving at the people. BJP president Amit Shah, who is the candidate for the Gandhinagar constituency, and his family greeted him. PM Modi was seen taking Amit Shah's granddaughter in his arms and again waving at the crowds, before walking into the polling booth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi casts his vote at a polling booth in Ahmedabad

After casting his vote, the Prime Minister displayed his inked finger and walked on the streets along with Amit Shah. BJP flags and banners lined the streets. Amid chants of "Modi, Modi", he spoke to the media: "I feel proud to do my duty of voting in my home state Gujarat and participate in this massive festival of democracy. Just like one feels after taking a dip in the holy river during the Kumbh Mela, I feel the same after voting."

He added: "Voters are wise. They know what is right and what is not."

PM Modi is seeking a second term in office in the massive election taking place in seven rounds across the country. Today is the third and biggest round, with at least a fifth of the Lok Sabha seats voting.

This morning, PM Modi had tweeted: "Urging all those voting in today's Third Phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to do so in record numbers. Your vote is precious and will shape the direction our nation takes in the years to come. I'll be voting in Ahmedabad in a short while from now."

The Prime Minister also met his 98-year-old mother Heeraben, who lives in Gandhinagar, before driving to Ahmedabad, 25 km away. In a photo, he was seen touching the feet of his mother, who gave him a shawl, sweets and a coconut.

The prime minister had stayed at the Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar overnight. After meeting his mother, he also interacted with her neighbours and allowed children to take selfies with him.