Millions of Indians have begun voting in a six-week election that serves as a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking a rare third term. The voting process started in 21 states, with nearly 970 million voters set to elect 543 members to Parliament over the next few weeks, with results expected on June 4.
This election is considered one of India's most significant, testing the political dominance of Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party against a broad opposition alliance led by the Indian National Congress and regional parties.
The BJP faces a tough challenge in Tamil Nadu, where it has historically struggled to win seats. Modi has focused on this state, holding numerous rallies to garner support.
Additionally, voting is taking place in Manipur, a state previously plagued by internal conflict. The election authority has set up voting stations in relief camps to accommodate displaced individuals.
Modi's leadership over the past decade has seen a mix of Hindu-first politics and economic development. While the economy has shown growth, issues like unemployment, inflation, and low agricultural prices have fueled opposition criticism.
Critics warn of Modi's increasingly illiberal tendencies and the potential threat to India's secular roots posed by his Hindu nationalist agenda. The opposition alliance aims to address these concerns and restore what they see as a democratic decline under Modi's rule.
Modi's popularity remains strong, particularly in certain regions, where the BJP hopes to secure a two-thirds majority. The party's welfare programs and controversial policy decisions, such as the construction of a temple and changes in Kashmir's autonomy, have both supporters and detractors.
As the election unfolds, the future direction of India's democracy hangs in the balance, with contrasting visions offered by the ruling BJP and the opposition alliance.
