India Decides: Historic Election Day Unfolds as Nation Prepares to Choose Its Leader

India is set to announce a new leader on Tuesday after a massive nationwide election. The election has been a test of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership over the past decade, with hundreds of millions of votes cast and billions of dollars spent. His Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is aiming for a supermajority in the lower house of parliament, known as Lok Sabha. This victory would allow the party to solidify its Hindu-nationalist agenda, moving India further away from its secular roots.

India's strategic location in Asia and its growing economy mean that the election result will have a big impact beyond its borders, drawing the interest of countries like the United States, China, and Russia.

A staggering 642 million people participated in the largest election in the world, with many parts of the country experiencing extreme heat that led to illness and even death for some.

An alliance of over two dozen parties, including the Indian National Congress, is aiming to replace India's current leader. They are focused on reducing inequality and protecting democratic institutions that they believe are in danger.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi shows his ink-marked finger after casting his vote outside a polling station in Ahmedabad, India, on May 7, 2024.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi shows his ink-marked finger after casting his vote outside a polling station in Ahmedabad, India, on May 7, 2024.

Adnan Abidi/Reuters

Since coming into power in 2014, Modi has become extremely popular due to his focus on development and welfare programs, as well as promoting Hindu nationalism in a country where the majority of the population follow this faith.

Under Modi's leadership, India, with a population of 1.4 billion, has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy in the world and has made significant advancements in technology and space exploration. However, challenges such as poverty, youth unemployment, especially in rural areas, and a growing wealth gap still exist.

Critics argue that during Modi's ten years in office, there has been an increase in religious divide, particularly with Islamophobia affecting many of the country's over 200 million Muslims, and religious conflicts escalating in a nation with a history of communal tensions.

Voting took place from April 19 to June 1, with nearly 1 billion Indians having the opportunity to vote for 543 seats in the lower house of parliament. The leader of the party that secures a majority will be appointed prime minister and establish a governing administration.

Modi aims to achieve a 400-seat supermajority, with 370 under his BJP's control - an increase from 303 in 2019 - and the rest from its National Democratic Alliance.

The BJP's manifesto highlights job creation and anti-poverty initiatives, with a special emphasis on women, the underprivileged, and farmers. Modi has pledged to elevate India to a developed nation by 2047 and position the country as a global manufacturing powerhouse.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public rally in Rajasthan on Sunday April 21, 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public rally in Rajasthan on Sunday April 21, 2024.

ANI/Reuters

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Modi's recent message to supporters: 'God has chosen me'

However, during his campaign, he has faced criticism for using divisive language that has been labeled as Islamophobic, while portraying himself as a messenger selected by God.

Modi's remarks about Muslims being "infiltrators" and spreading false conspiracy theories have stirred controversy. The BJP, his party, has released political videos targeting Muslims, with one currently being investigated by the police.

Congress has played a significant role in India's history, helping to end British colonial rule. However, in recent years, the party has faced challenges in remaining relevant, including corruption scandals and internal conflicts. This has made it difficult for Congress to compete with Modi's popularity.

Rahul Gandhi, the son of the famous Gandhi family, has been the main figure of the party. However, he has faced defeat in the last two elections against Modi. He is now running for office again in the southern state of Kerala and the important state of Uttar Pradesh in the north, which is also India's most populous state.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shows his ink-marked finger after casting his vote during the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections, on May 25, 2024 in New Delhi, India.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi proudly displays his ink-marked finger after participating in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections on May 25, 2024, in New Delhi, India.

The image was captured by Raj K Raj from Hindustan Times/Sipa/Reuters.

Opposition leaders and parties have encountered numerous legal and financial obstacles leading up to this year's election. Many have alleged that the BJP is utilizing state agencies to suppress their opponents.

The arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, a well-liked Aam Aadmi Party leader, chief minister of Delhi, and vocal critic of Modi, in March, caused uproar in the capital. His party accused the BJP of engaging in a political "conspiracy," a claim that the BJP has refuted.

Kejriwal’s release on interim bail last month sparked a strong opposition against the BJP, bringing together political leaders who previously disagreed on ideologies.

The Congress’ manifesto has been praised as one of India’s most progressive, promising “freedom from fear” and committing to safeguarding freedom of speech, expression, and religious beliefs outlined in the constitution.

Turnout for the recent general election in India has seen a slight decrease compared to the high numbers in 2019. However, it still stands as the biggest democratic event in the world, with millions of people coming out to vote and decide the future leader of the most populous country on the globe.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming Indian election is a pivotal moment for the country's future, with potential implications beyond its borders. Prime Minister Modi's BJP is seeking a supermajority that would further entrench its Hindu-nationalist agenda and push India away from its secular roots. Critics argue that Modi's leadership has exacerbated religious tensions, particularly against Muslims, and that democratic institutions are under threat.

The election has also highlighted the challenges facing the opposition Congress party, which has been weakened by corruption scandals and internal conflicts. The arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, a popular AAP leader, has further galvanized opposition to the BJP. Despite the significant decrease in turnout, the election remains the world's largest democratic event, underscoring the importance of the vote in shaping India's future.