Record turnout in the two phases of voting in Bengal is a sign of change in the state. PM Narendra Modi He said while expressing confidence that BJP will come to power there for the first time on Wednesday. He predicted that the NDA would also retain Assam and Puducherry and spring a few surprises in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. “The election results on May 4 will strengthen our resolve to build a developed India and will inject new energy into the pace of development,” Modi said while inaugurating the Ganga Expressway in UP’s Hardoi. The PM described the turnout of voters in large numbers during the second phase of voting in 142 constituencies of Bengal as a reflection of the elections being held in a fear-free environment. He praised the state’s voters for their “awareness of democratic rights”. Terming the recent election performance as unfavorable for the NDA, Modi said the BJP-led alliance is coming off the back of its win in Bihar and strong performance in the local body elections in Gujarat, where it has won most of the municipal councils and nagar panchayats.