By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to secure a third consecutive term in office, according to exit polls. Analysts caution that these polls, released by various news agencies, have a history of inaccuracies and potential bias. Nevertheless, they currently position Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party as the leading contender in the general election.
The BJP, the main opposition Congress party, and regional rivals have engaged in a rigorous campaign across seven phases of polling. Results are expected on June 4, with a party or coalition needing 272 seats in parliament to form a government. Exit polls suggest that the BJP National Democratic Alliance will surpass this threshold, potentially securing nearly two aathirds of the seats. Modi, in his initial post voting comments, claimed victory on social media without directly referencing the exit polls.
The opposition Congress has accused the BJP of suppressing dissent, a charge the BJP denies. Aggregate forecasts from six exit polls predict substantial gains for the NDA, with estimates ranging from 355 to 380 seats, while the INDIA bloc is expected to secure between 125 and 165 seats. The BJP alone may achieve around 327 seats, short of its 370 seat goal.
India's massive electorate of 969 million voters participated in this extensive election process. The campaign featured heated speeches, rallies, and significant online activity. High profile incidents included the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and allegations of voting irregularities. Despite opposition accusations of bias, the Election Commission of India has denied any partiality.
Key issues influencing voters included the inauguration of the Ram temple and government welfare programs, as well as concerns about unemployment and rising prices. Allegations of democratic erosion also played a role in shaping voter sentiment.