India is in the midst of a six-week general election, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image dominating the landscape. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is banking on Modi’s popularity to secure a super-majority in parliament, touting his achievements in economic growth and infrastructure development.
As the BJP aims to target 400 seats in the lower house of parliament, they are employing various tactics to secure victory. This includes enlisting celebrity candidates, appealing to minority groups in southern strongholds, and taking advantage of redrawn political boundaries to bolster support in opposition-controlled areas.
Despite opinion polls predicting a third term for Modi, the BJP faces challenges in certain regions, such as the southern states where they traditionally have not performed well. In Kerala, the BJP is fielding a candidate from a prominent Congress family, sparking controversy within the community.
In northern states like Himachal Pradesh, the BJP has recruited Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut to challenge the Congress party’s grip on power. This move reflects a shift in the BJP’s strategy to include celebrities in their campaigns.
Overall, the BJP is optimistic about its prospects in the election, with hopes of making gains in states like Assam and Jammu and Kashmir. The party’s focus on strategic alliances, local tactics, and celebrity endorsements underscores the high stakes of this election.