Hundreds of millions of votes cast, over six weeks of polling, and billions of dollars spent: India will declare a new leader on Tuesday after a nationwide election seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decade-long leadership.
The powerful right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Modi, seeks a supermajority in the Lok Sabha, which would further enshrine its Hindu-nationalist agenda and move India away from its secular foundations. The election results are expected to reverberate globally, given India’s strategic position in Asia and its booming economy, drawing attention from the United States, China, and Russia.
Approximately 642 million people voted in the world’s largest election despite searing heat conditions that made many sick and resulted in fatalities. Opposing Modi’s charismatic yet divisive leadership is an alliance of over two dozen parties, including the main opposition, the Indian National Congress, which campaigns on reducing inequality and upholding democratic institutions.
Since taking power in 2014, Modi has seen unprecedented popularity due to development and welfare programs coupled with Hindu nationalism. Under his leadership, India has become the world’s fastest-growing major economy. However, poverty, youth unemployment, and a growing wealth gap persist, particularly in rural areas. Critics argue that Modi’s governance has led to increased religious polarization and marginalization of India’s 200 million Muslims.
Polling began on April 19 and ended on June 1, with nearly 1 billion Indians eligible to vote for 543 seats in the Lok Sabha. The leader of the winning party will become prime minister. Modi aims for a 400-seat supermajority, with 370 directly controlled by the BJP and the rest by its National Democratic Alliance. The BJP’s manifesto focuses on job creation, anti-poverty programs, and transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
Modi’s campaign has faced accusations of Islamophobia, including controversial remarks about Muslims and political videos targeting the community. The Indian National Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, aims to challenge Modi despite past electoral defeats and internal struggles. Congress’ progressive manifesto pledges to protect constitutional freedoms and reduce fear.
Opposition leaders have faced legal and financial hurdles, with accusations that the BJP uses state agencies to stifle opponents. The arrest and subsequent release of Arvind Kejriwal, a prominent Modi critic, have galvanized opposition unity. Despite a slight dip in turnout from 2019, India’s general election remains the largest exercise in democracy, determining the future leader of the world’s most populous country.
