The India Election of 2024 has captured the attention of the nation as vote counting begins, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi widely expected to secure a historic third term. This election is seen as crucial for the future direction of India, with significant implications for economic development, social policy, and foreign relations.
Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been a dominant force in Indian politics since coming to power in 2014. Under Modi's leadership, the BJP has implemented a range of controversial policies, from demonetization to the Citizenship Amendment Act. Despite facing criticism for his handling of issues such as religious tensions and economic inequality, Modi remains popular among many voters.
If the 73-year-old Modi wins, it would only be the second time an Indian leader has retained power for a third term after Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister.
Some three hours into the counting, early leads reported by the Election Commission showed Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party comfortably ahead of the main opposition Congress party.
The preliminary figures showed the BJP ahead in 239 constituencies out of 542 and winning one uncontested race. Congress was leading in 96 constituencies.
For the BJP to win a landslide victory, it needs to make gains in wealthy southern states where it has traditionally had less sway. Voters in those areas typically don’t speak Hindi as a first language or respond positively to the BJP’s Hindu-nationalist agenda, instead preferring regional parties who compete to take care of their economic interests.
The BJP would also need to expand its presence in strongholds like Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state. The ruling party won 62 out of 80 seats there in 2019.
Indian markets opened down around 3 per cent this morning in an apparent response to the underwhelming BJP performance, having closed last night on all-time highs following the exit poll figures.
The count is still in its relatively early phases and numbers are expected to solidify over the course of the day.
Regardless of the outcome, these elections represent a critical moment in India's political landscape and will shape the country's trajectory for years to come. The challenges facing India – from economic inequality to regional conflicts – require strong leadership and a clear vision for the future. The world is watching as India decides its next chapter.
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