Hardoi, April 29 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the people of West Bengal for the high voter turnout recorded in the second phase of polling, which is currently underway in the state.

Addressing a public gathering in Hardoi, the Prime Minister said he appreciated the "great people of Bengal" for coming out in large numbers to exercise their franchise and urged them to maintain the same enthusiasm until the completion of polling.

"I express my gratitude to the great people of Bengal for being aware of their rights and voting in large numbers. There are still several hours left for voting to conclude. I would appeal to the people of Bengal to continue participating in this festival of democracy in the ...