Indian voters have kicked off the world’s largest general election, with more than 968 million people registered to cast their ballots over the next six weeks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a rare third consecutive term, with results expected on June 4.
The first phase of voting took place on Friday in 21 states and union territories, including key regions like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. This election is particularly significant in Kashmir, where it is the first since the region’s special autonomous status was revoked in 2019.
Modi’s main challenger is an alliance of opposition parties led by the Congress Party, with Rahul Gandhi at the forefront. While the opposition is focusing on promises to address unemployment and provide free education and healthcare, Modi’s campaign is centered around majoritarian Hindu sentiment.
Opinion polls show Modi as the frontrunner, with 48 percent of respondents favoring him for prime minister. His popularity is attributed to his strong leadership image and perceived lack of corruption.
Regardless of the election outcome, the future foreign policy direction is expected to remain largely unchanged, except for a potential shift in India’s stance towards Israel and Palestine. The opposition alliance is sympathetic to Palestinians and may seek to restore ties with neighboring countries like Pakistan.
Unemployment and rising prices are top concerns for Indian voters, with many feeling that job opportunities have decreased in the past five years. There are also fears about the potential erosion of India’s secular and democratic values if the ruling party continues to promote Hindu nationalist dominance.