Prime Minister Narendra Modi's elder brother Somabhai turned emotional remembering their mother late Hiraba even as the PM cast his vote in Gujarat's Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. Voting is under way in 93 constituencies across 11 states and a Union territory in the third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.
A teary-eyed Somabhai said that Hiraba would be showering her blessings upon PM Modi from heaven.
"My mother is no more. But she must be giving her blessings to Narendrabhai from heaven right now," Somabhai said outside a polling booth in Ranip locality under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. He met PM Modi outside the polling booth.
The Prime Minister never cast his vote without meeting his mother at her residence in Gandhinagar and taking her blessings. Hiraba passed away in December 2022.
Urging people exercise their franchise, Somabhai said just like everyone else he too wants his brother to become the Prime Minister for the third time.
"Choose the right person and the right party by exercising your franchise," he said and added, "Just like people of this area, I also want Narendra Modi to become the PM for the third time after this election".
Earlier today, PM Modi too urged people to vote in record numbers.
"Urging all those who are voting in today’s phase to vote in record numbers. Their active participation will certainly make the elections more vibrant," he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Urging all those who are voting in today’s phase to vote in record numbers. Their active participation will certainly make the elections more vibrant.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 7, 2024
Polling is being held in 25 of the 26 Lok Sabha constituencies in Gujarat, and for bypolls in five assembly constituencies in the state. In Surat Lok Sabha constituency, BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal was elected unopposed last week. This decision followed the rejection of Congress' Nilesh Kumbhani's nomination and the withdrawal of other candidates from the contest.
Voter turnout of 66.14% and 66.71% respectively in the first two phases of Lok Sabha elections has been marginally lower than corresponding phases five years back.
The next four phases will be on May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. The counting of votes is on June 4.
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