India entered the fourth phase of its massive seven-week-long election on Monday, with campaign rhetoric intensifying over economic inequalities and religious tensions.
The world’s most populous democracy commenced voting on April 19, involving nearly one billion eligible voters, with the results slated to be announced on June 4.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, vying for an unprecedented third consecutive term, leads the charge for the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), facing off against a coalition of over two dozen opposition parties, prominently the Congress party.
“I appeal to all to vote for a decisive government,” urged Amit Shah, Modi’s influential aide and the nation’s Minister of Home Affairs, as polling stations opened their doors.
The fourth phase sees voting for 96 parliamentary seats across 10 states and territories, with approximately 177 million individuals eligible to cast their votes. Notably, a significant number of seats are in the southern and eastern regions of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, where the BJP’s influence is comparatively weaker.
Observers are closely monitoring voter turnout following marginally lower numbers in the preceding phases, sparking concerns regarding apathy towards an election lacking a singular dominant issue. Additionally, the impact of soaring temperatures, with many parts of the country experiencing highs of around 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) or higher, is under scrutiny.
The subdued turnout has raised questions about whether the BJP and its allies can secure the landslide victory anticipated by opinion polls. Analysts posit that the lower turnout prompted Modi to recalibrate his campaign strategy after the initial phase, shifting focus from his economic achievements to accusing Congress of prioritizing welfare schemes for certain communities at the expense of others. Congress has refuted such claims, alleging that Modi is perturbed by the turnout figures, a contention dismissed by the BJP.
India, home to approximately 80% Hindus and the world’s third-largest Muslim population, is grappling with a multitude of concerns. Voters, led by Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, are advocating for enhanced representation and welfare measures for the nation’s underprivileged. They argue that wealth disparity has exacerbated during Modi’s tenure, a charge vehemently denied by the government.
Ahead of Monday’s vote, the opposition received a boost when the Supreme Court granted relief to Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and a prominent opposition figure, permitting him to campaign. Kejriwal, a vocal critic of Modi, had been arrested on corruption allegations a month prior to the elections, prompting accusations of government vendetta. Kejriwal maintains his innocence, while the government asserts non-interference in law enforcement proceedings.
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