India, April 29 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that voters in West Bengal are casting their ballots in a "fearless atmosphere," something he claimed was difficult to imagine in the state over the past several decades.

Addressing a public gathering in Hardoi after inaugurating the Ganga Expressway, the Prime Minister referred to the ongoing second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, where polling is underway in 142 constituencies.

He said reports from the state indicate a strong voter turnout, with long queues visible at polling stations since morning. According to him, the enthusiastic participation of voters reflects growing awareness and confidence in exercising democratic rights.

"What we are witness...