India’s massive election season kicks off as Modi aims for third term | Global News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kicked off his campaign for a third term with a roadshow in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, amidst a carnival-like atmosphere. The chants of “Modi!” are deafening as his cavalcade moves at a walking pace, with people surging forward to snap photos on their phones.

Shishir Gupta, a spectator at the event, expresses his admiration for Modi, stating that every BJP candidate wins because of him. Atul Garg, the BJP candidate for Ghaziabad, also acknowledges Modi’s popularity, claiming that people will vote only for him.

India’s mammoth election season has begun, with nearly a billion people set to cast their votes over the next 44 days. The elections for the 18th Lok Sabha will be held in seven phases, with results expected on 4 June.

The BJP, led by Modi, is expected to secure a third term in office, with the National Democratic Alliance winning 346 out of 543 seats in 2019. However, the opposition, led by the United Progressive Alliance, is challenging Modi’s government on issues such as unemployment, cost of living, and threats to India’s secular and democratic identity.

Despite Modi’s economic achievements and infrastructure development, concerns remain about rising inequality, unemployment, and rural distress. The opposition accuses Modi of working only for capitalists and failing to address the needs of the marginalized communities.

As the election season unfolds, the battle between Modi’s BJP and the opposition parties intensifies, with each side vying for the support of the Indian electorate. The outcome of the elections will determine the future direction of India’s political landscape.