New Delhi, May 13 (PTI) Urging people to vote in large numbers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said it is everyone's duty to strengthen India's democracy.

With assembly polls also being held in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha alongside the Lok Sabha elections across the country, Modi appealed to voters to turn up at polling booths in record numbers.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Narendra Modi Calls for ‘Democracy Duty’ as Voting Begins in Fourth Phase of General Polls (See Post).

In the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, 96 seats across 10 states and Union Territories are going to the polls, he noted.

He said on X, "I am sure people in these constituencies will vote in large numbers and the young voters as well as women voters will power this surge in voting. Come, let's all do our duty and strengthen our democracy!"

Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 4: Polling Begins for 96 Seats, Over 1,700 Candidates in Fray; Voting Starts for Assembly Polls in AP and Odisha Too.

He added in another post, "Urging the people of Andhra Pradesh, especially first time voters, to vote in record numbers in the Assembly Elections. May these polls further enhance our democratic spirit."

He told Odisha voters, "Your vote is your voice' let it be heard loudly and clearly."

While the three phases of the polls have so far seen less turnout in percentage terms than in 2019, the gap with the previous elections has steadily narrowed amid efforts by the Election Commission to boost polling.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)