Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called upon the citizens of Telangana to actively participate in the assembly polls and contribute to strengthening the festival of democracy. As the polling process unfolds to elect 119 members of the Telangana legislative assembly, voters are turning out in substantial numbers, with tight security measures in place. As of 9 AM, Telangana recorded a voter turnout of 8.52 per cent.

“I call upon my sisters and brothers of Telangana to vote in record numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy,” he said in a post on X. He specifically urged youth and first-time voters to exercise their democratic rights.

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Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also took to social media platform X stating that the people of Telangana have decided that they will choose a transparent and people-friendly government that prioritises the welfare of the disadvantaged.

“No force on earth can stop an idea whose time has come…Let us ensure a Prajala Telangana now! This is the time to come out and vote in large numbers to make it happen. This is the time to realise the countless dreams and aspirations of Telangana’s people, for which you have shed your sweat and blood for years,” Kharge said on X.

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“We welcome our first-time voters of the state to participate in this democratic process for change and social justice,” the Congress president said, adding that the youngest state in India must show the way.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and former party chief Rahul Gandhi showed similar sentiments, urging the citizens of Telangana to cast their votes in substantial numbers and vote for the Congress party.

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In a post in Hindi on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, “It is an appeal to you (people of Telangana) to vote thoughtfully, with full enthusiasm and energy. Voting is your right and biggest responsibility. Fulfill the dreams of the people of Telangana with the power of vote. Congratulations in advance. Jai Telangana. Jai Hind.”

Voting commenced at 7 AM across the 35,655 polling stations in the state, with polling scheduled to conclude at 5 PM in 106 constituencies and at 4 PM in 13 Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected seats, according to officials.