Fates of future MPs sealed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote early morning on Tuesday at Nishan School in the Ranip area of the city and urged voters to come out and vote in large numbers.

He asserted that other democracies could learn from the way elections are conducted in India. Modi also commended the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting two phases of the general election with hardly any violence being reported.

The 2024 general election was the first in several years, where PM Modi could not seek the blessings of his mother Hiraba before casting his vote. Hiraba passed away in December 2022. It had been customary for PM Modi to meet and take his mother’s blessings before voting in every election.

“Voting is not a common gift. In our country, a lot of importance is attached to donation. (Matdaan saamanya daan nahi hai, hamare desh main daan ka mahatva hai). People should vote in large numbers with this feeling in their hearts,” the PM told mediapersons after exercising his franchise.

He added, “As a voter from Gujarat, I have been voting here (Ni shan School) for many years, and our Amitbhai (Amit Shah) is the BJP candidate from here.”

Union home minister Amit Shah is the BJP candidate from Gandhinagar LS seat which covers Ranip.

Congratulating the ECI and the administrative machinery for conducting “almost violence-free” two phases of the general election, the PM said violence was common during elections in the past.

“India’s election management and conduct of elections can be a learning exercise for other democ racies. Reputed universities must study Indian elections. This year, about 64 countries are going to polls,” the PM said, lauding the election commission for adopting good practices from across the world and implementing new technologies to conduct polls in India.

Modi reached Nishan School at around 7.30am, walking a short distance to the polling station. He greeted people and signed autographs amid loud cheers and chants of his name. He bowed down and greeted his elder brother Somabhai Modi before entering the polling booth to cast his vote.

Emerging from the booth, the PM waved to the crowd and showed his inked finger, stopping briefly near the railings to let an elderly woman tie a thread around his wrist. He paused and spoke to little girls holding up his picture and seeking autographs. The PM signed his name on the forearm of a little girl, leaving her ecstatic.

An emotional Somabhai Modi remembered his late mother Hiraba and said, “My mother is no more. But she must be giving her blessings to Narendrabhai from heaven right now.” He met the PM outside the booth. In reply to a question, Somabhai said he and PM Modi enquired about each other’s health and wellbeing.