Millions of Indians Begin Voting in Referendum on Narendra Modi

Millions of Indians began voting in a six-week election that is being viewed as a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist politics. The election, which will see nearly 970 million voters elect 543 members to the lower house of Parliament, is considered one of the most consequential in India’s history.

Modi, who is seeking a rare third term as the country’s leader, has championed an assertive brand of Hindu nationalist politics during his decade-long leadership. His Bharatiya Janata Party is up against a broad opposition alliance led by the Indian National Congress and powerful regional parties.

The election comes amid a backdrop of economic growth but also growing economic distress for many Indians. The opposition alliance is hoping to tap into issues like high unemployment, inflation, corruption, and low agricultural prices that have led to farmer protests.

Critics of Modi warn that his leadership has become increasingly illiberal and that he could use a third term to undermine India’s democracy. They accuse him of sidelining elected ministers in favor of bureaucrats and using tax authorities and the police to harass critics and opposition parties.

Modi’s supporters, however, tout his leadership as transformative for India, pointing to welfare programs that have improved access to basic necessities for the poor. The BJP hopes for a landslide win in the election, powered by these popular programs and Modi’s image as a champion of the Hindu majority.

The election will test the limits of Modi’s political dominance and could have far-reaching implications for India’s future. The results will be announced on June 4, with many predicting a win for Modi and his party.