In India, the ongoing general election, which spans seven weeks, reached its fourth phase with voting taking place on Monday.
This election involves nearly one billion eligible voters and is a significant event in the world’s most populous country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking a rare third term in office, facing opposition from an alliance of over two dozen parties, including Congress. The BJP’s campaign is led by Amit Shah, Modi’s close aide, who urged voters to support a strong and decisive government.
On election day, 96 seats across 10 states and territories were contested, with 177 million eligible voters. Areas like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, where the BJP’s influence is weaker, have a significant number of contested seats. The election turnout is being closely monitored, especially after lower numbers in earlier phases raised concerns about voter engagement, compounded by high temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many areas.
Key issues in this election include rising prices and unemployment, according to voter surveys. Rahul Gandhi’s Congress party advocates for increased representation and welfare programs for the underprivileged, highlighting growing wealth inequality during Modi’s tenure, which the government disputes. The election also saw legal developments, including the temporary bail granted to Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s Chief Minister and opposition figure, allowing him to campaign amid corruption accusations, fueling political tensions during the electoral process.