Modi to get massive mandate; BJP 300 plus, NDA over 400: Yogi

Amid the ongoing voting for the last phase of Lok Sabha polls Sunday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that the BJP will form the next government at the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a "massive mandate" of "300 plus seats" of the BJP and "400 plus" of the NDA allies.

"Polling on 67 Lok Sabha seats in UP has already been held, and voting was held on 13 seats today. I can say with confidence that on May 23, when the election results will be declared, the BJP under the leadership of Modiji will accomplish its target of securing 300-plus seats on its own, and 400-plus seats on the strength of its allies," said Adityanath after casting his vote.

"In UP, the BJP will be successful in achieving the target of 74-plus seats," said the chief minister, adding "the festival of the democracy should be treated enthusiastically".

Asked whether the the chief minister's remarks amounted to influencing voters or flouting the model code of conduct after the end of campaign, UP Chief Electoral Officer L Venkateshwarlu told PTI in Lucknow that the Election Commission will look into it of it gets any complaiunt on the matter.

"No complaint has yet been received in this connection. If we get any complaint, we will seek a report from the local administration in this regard and look into it," he said.

Adityanath was among the first voters to exercise his franchise here Sunday. He cast his vote at the Prathmik Vidyalaya near Jhoolelal Temple in Gorakhpur at 7 am.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, the chief minister said, "People are fighting this election for the nation's interest and if someone cannot understand it, his IQ (intelligent quotient) is questionable. The entire election revolved around Modiji. With big achievements of his government during the last five years, the BJP will win the election."
Asked about the situation in West Bengal, Adityanath said, "The people of Bengal, have seen violence, perpetrated during all phases of the elections in the state. The Election Commission was forced to take stringent steps there."