Millions Begin Voting in Fourth Round of India’s Mammoth Election, More Than Halfway Completed

Millions of Indians across 96 constituencies in India began casting their ballots on Monday as the country’s massive, six-week-long election enters its halfway mark. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is vying for a third consecutive term, aiming to secure a supermajority in Parliament.

The fourth round of multi-phase national elections is crucial for Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with strongholds in states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh up for grabs. Seats in Maharashtra and Bihar, where the BJP governs in alliances with regional parties, are also contested in this phase.

In Samastipur city, Bihar, voters expressed concerns about rising food prices, lack of employment, and economic development. Despite most polls predicting a win for Modi and the BJP, the opposition alliance led by the Indian National Congress and regional parties poses a challenge.

The election, spanning until June 1, will see nearly 970 million voters electing 543 members to the lower house of Parliament. Monday also marks the end of polling in the southern states, where the BJP aims to secure more seats.

Modi’s campaign, initially focused on development, has shifted towards Hindu nationalism rhetoric. However, voters like Nikhilesh Mishra in Samastipur are seeking change due to the lack of progress in their state. While Modi remains confident in BJP’s chances, analysts suggest the change in tone aims to consolidate Hindu votes and divert attention from pressing issues like unemployment and inflation.

As the election unfolds, the future of India’s leadership and the direction of the country’s policies hang in the balance.