In the final stages of India's general election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are on track to secure a third term. However, opposition leaders have gained some momentum by focusing on economic and social justice issues and painting Modi as a primary culprit in India's growing inequality. The election, which began on April 11, has seen millions of Indians casting their votes across the country.
Modi entered the election campaign with supreme confidence, projecting his party to surpass 400 seats in the lower house of Parliament. However, opposition leaders have turned to online platforms to reach a wider audience and challenge Modi's control over the national narrative. The Indian National Congress and other regional parties have accused Modi of favoring business and caste elites, leading him to frequently set aside his party's main campaign message.
To counter these criticisms, Modi has resorted to stoking anti-Muslim sentiments in an attempt to fend off attempts to split his Hindu support base. However, he later denied making such statements. The opposition parties have some fight left in them despite suffering big losses in the previous two national elections.
The voting process began on April 11 and will continue until May 25, with results expected on June 4. Millions of Indians have already cast their votes across the country, including President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Opposition leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi also voted in New Delhi.
Despite some challenges, Modi remains a favorite to win a third term due to his strong support base among the Hindu population. However, opposition parties are determined to make their voices heard and challenge the BJP's dominance in Indian politics.
