Modi urges people to exercise their franchise in phase one of LS polls

As the Lok Sabha elections began Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to turn out in large numbers to exercise their franchise. "I call upon all those whose constituencies are voting in the first phase today to turn out in record numbers and exercise their franchise," he tweeted.

During elections, Modi often takes to Twitter to urge people to vote. "I especially urge young and first-time voters to vote in large numbers," he said. Voting is underway in 91 Lok Sabha seats spread across 18 states and two union territories Thursday in the first phase of the seven-phased elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)