India, April 23 -- A high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections has boosted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Prime Minister Narendra Modi viewing it as a sign of a possible shift in power in the state.

Modi

Addressing a rally in the Mathurapur constituency of South 24 Parganas, Modi said the high turnout indicates that people have overcome the "fear" of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

PM Predicts BJP Victory, Urges Voters for Change

Mathurapur is scheduled to go to polls in the second phase on April 29.

Phase 1 Covers 152 Constituencies

A total of 152 out of 294 constituencies across 16 districts voted in the first phase on Thursday, as the prolonged and intense political contest in the st...