Felt divine energy whenever I was among Maa Kali devotees; road shows, rallies in Bengal were like pilgrimage: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the affection he received from people across age groups was invaluable.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said his campaign in West Bengal felt more like a spiritual journey than a political exercise, as he addressed voters on the final day of campaigning for the second and last phase of the state assembly polls.

In an audio message and an open letter to the people of the state, Modi expressed gratitude for the support he received during rallies and roadshows, and voiced confidence that the BJP would form the next government.

“Despite addressing so many rallies amid the intense heat, I did not feel even the slightest fatigue during this election campaign in West Bengal. These rallies, these road shows... I felt as if I was on a pilgrimage,” he said.

The Prime Minister credited his energy to the devotion of people and blessings of Goddess Kali. “Whenever I went among the devotees of Maa Kali... Perhaps Maa Kali herself kept filling me with continuous energy,” he said.

Drawing a comparison with his earlier spiritual experience ahead of the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya, Modi said he felt a similar sense of divine strength during the campaign.

“Before the 'pran pratishtha' of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, I had observed an 11-day ritual with deep devotion and had undertaken a fast. I feel that during that time, Lord Shri Ram filled me with boundless energy,” he said.

“In this election too, I experienced the same feeling -- like the one you get while having darshan at a temple. Seeing the people, who are like manifestations of God, infused me with renewed energy,” he added.

Modi described the campaign as an opportunity to connect with people and present the BJP’s vision for the state. “Today, canvassing ends. My last rally of this election campaign has also just concluded. Through this letter, I want to express my gratitude to every family member of West Bengal and also share my emotions,” he said.

He said the affection he received from people across age groups was invaluable. “Be it youth, women or the elderly, I received affection and warmth from everyone... I want to say today that your love and blessings are the real wealth of my life,” he said.

Reiterating his confidence in the BJP’s victory, Modi said he looked forward to celebrating with the people.

“Serving and securing West Bengal is my responsibility. Turning every challenge before West Bengal into an opportunity is also part of my destiny. I will not back down from this responsibility... And we will all celebrate the oath-taking ceremony of a BJP CM together. This is not just my personal belief. I have felt this confidence in you,” he said.

Pitching for change in the state, he said people were eager for a new direction. “West Bengal's youth want to move forward. Our daughters of West Bengal want an open sky. They want security,” he said.

“Every resident of West Bengal, every family, is moving forward with one resolve, and that we must bring change now. The common man is saying: enough is enough. No more fear. Now we need trust. Now we need the BJP,” he added.

Referring to the first phase of polling, which saw a record turnout, Modi urged voters to participate actively in the next phase. “Now it is your responsibility to ensure maximum voting on April 29. You have a great opportunity to hoist the flag of victory in this temple of democracy. Together, we will make West Bengal developed -- this is Modi's guarantee,” he said.