India's Marathon Election: Modi Seeks Third Term
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a third term on the back of issues such as growth, welfare and Hindu nationalism, millions of Indians have voted in the first phase of the world’s largest elections
The election sees Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) facing off against an alliance of around two dozen opposition parties, advocating for increased affirmative action and welfare initiatives, while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions.
As polls came to an end today, the Election Commission reported varying voter turnout rates, ranging from 40 percent in Bihar to 68 percent in Tripura. In comparison, the average turnout during the multiphase 2019 elections was 67 percent.
“I urge all those voting … to exercise their franchise in record numbers,” Modi posted on the social media platform X before voting began.
The main opposition Indian National Congress party urged voters to end “hatred and injustice” in a statement on X.
Friday's vote was the first of seven phases, and it covered 102 constituencies across 21 states and territories from Tamil Nadu in the southto Arunachal Pradesh on the Himalayan frontier with China. Voters in the violence-hit northeastern state of Manipur also turned out in large numbers to vote in the shadow of ethnic clashes that have killed at least 220 people in the past year.
Voters patiently assembled in a long and winding queue outside a polling station in the Hindu holy city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand state on the banks of the Ganges River before the booths opened.
“I am here because I am happy about the direction the country is headed,” autorickshaw driver Ganga Singh, 27, told journalists. “I will vote, keeping in mind not personal welfare but the country’s prosperity.”
Voting took place through electronic voting machines. Voters pressed the blue button corresponding to the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate of their choice or chose the option “none of the above”.
Modi Up Against Opposition
Surveys suggests that although voters are worried about unemployment, inflation and rural distress, the BJP will easily win a majority in the Indian Parliament
Jobs were the chief concern for Mohammed Shabbir, a Muslim voter in Kairana in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. None of his eight children has regular employment, the 60-year-old driver said.
“Even the Hindus are affected by a lack of jobs,” he said, insisting that the problem outweighs the appeal of Hindu nationalism in the Hindu-majority nation.
In Tamil Nadu, where the BJP is weak, voters seemed divided on whether Modi’s strong push this time around would benefit his party.
Chennai noted that “the BJP may not boost its vote share in Tamil Nadu, but nationwide, Modi will win hands down again,” S Rajagopal, a three-wheeled taxi driver in the state capital.
