NEW DELHI (M31Global News) – Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his alliance’s victory in India’s general election on Tuesday. Despite a decline in support for his party, Modi assured that his agenda would move forward.
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“Today’s victory is a triumph for the world’s largest democracy,” Modi told supporters at his party’s headquarters. He expressed gratitude for the faith shown by Indian voters in his party and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition.
This win marks only the second time an Indian leader has secured a third term, following Jawaharlal Nehru. However, for the first time since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014, it did not achieve a majority on its own. Modi will now need support from coalition partners, which is a significant setback for the 73-year-old leader who aimed for a landslide victory.
Milan Vaishnav, director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, stated that the BJP would now heavily rely on its allies. “These allies will play crucial roles in policymaking and government formation,” he said.
Over 640 million votes were cast in this six-week-long election, showcasing the strength of the world’s largest democracy.
The opposition claimed a moral victory, with the Congress party stating the election was a “moral and political loss” for Modi. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, “This is the public’s victory and a win for democracy.”
Modi promised to continue his efforts to elevate India’s economy to the world’s third-largest, boost defense production, create jobs for youth, increase exports, and support farmers. “This country will see a new chapter of big decisions. This is Modi’s guarantee,” he declared.
Many of Modi’s Hindu nationalist policies will remain unchanged. India experienced coalition governments for 30 years before Modi’s rise to power.
In 2019, the BJP won a record 303 seats, but in this election, they appeared to fall short of a majority, winning 224 seats and leading in 16 more. The NDA coalition was on track to secure a combined 286-seat majority, with 263 seats won and leads in 23 races. The opposition INDIA coalition was projected to win 230 seats.
Final results were expected on Wednesday, with counting continuing late into the night. Leaders from neighboring countries, including Nepal and Bhutan, congratulated Modi, and the White House praised India’s “vibrant democratic process.”
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Modi’s tenure has significantly transformed India’s political landscape, bringing Hindu nationalism into the mainstream while creating deep divisions. His supporters view him as a strong leader who has enhanced India’s global standing, while critics argue that his policies have promoted intolerance and economic inequality.
For many voters, the election was about economic issues and poverty. Payal, a resident of Lucknow, said, “People are suffering, there are no jobs. This is a big deal for us. If we don’t wake up now, when will we?”
Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party saw the election results as a message from the people. “The poorest of this country have defended the constitution of India,” he said.
Modi’s popularity has often surpassed that of his party, with the BJP heavily relying on his leadership during campaigns. “Modi was not just the prime campaigner but the sole campaigner of this election,” noted public policy scholar Yamini Aiyar.
Critics argue that India’s democracy has faced challenges under Modi, with increased pressure on political opponents, independent media, and dissent. The government denies these claims, asserting that democracy is prosperous.
Economic dissatisfaction remains a significant issue. Despite record-high stock markets, youth unemployment has surged, benefiting only a small segment of the population.
The BJP initially focused its campaign on “Modi’s guarantees,” emphasizing economic and welfare achievements. However, as the campaign progressed, Modi’s power of speech became more divisive, targeting the Muslim population, which constitutes 14% of India. This tactic aimed to energize his core Hindu voter base.
The opposition INDIA alliance criticized Modi’s Hindu nationalist policies and campaigned on joblessness, inflation, and inequality, issues that resonated with many voters, according to Aiyar.
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