Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s coalition is leading in a majority of seats in India’s general election, according to early figures. Despite expectations of a landslide victory, Modi’s party is encountering a stronger challenge from the opposition than anticipated. The opposition has focused on critiquing Modi’s mixed economic record and polarizing politics.
Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not projected to secure a majority on its own, according to ongoing counts. Nevertheless, Modi is still expected to secure a third five-year term, a feat only previously achieved by Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister. Modi celebrated the results, calling them a “historical feat.”
“People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in India’s history,” Modi posted on social media platform X, referring to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP.
Nearly 970 million people, over 10 percent of the world’s population, were eligible to vote, with a turnout averaging 66 percent. A total of 272 seats are needed for a majority in the 543-member parliament. In 2019, the BJP won 303 seats, an increase from 282 in 2014 when Modi first came to power.
Partial tallies reported by India’s Election Commission show the BJP ahead in 114 constituencies and having won 126 seats. The main opposition Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi, is ahead in 45 constituencies and has won 54 seats.
The NDA coalition leads in 147 constituencies and has won 139 seats. The Congress party is part of the INDIA alliance, which leads in 131 constituencies and has won 99 seats. The election commission has not released data on the percentage of votes tallied, and the figures could change over time.
Political analyst Rasheed Kidwai commented, “The Congress party and other opposition parties have shown tremendous resilience. To have a stronger opposition augurs very well for India’s democracy that has taken a hit during Modi’s 10-year rule.”
Exit polling projected the NDA to win more than 350 seats. However, Indian markets closed sharply down on Tuesday, with benchmark stock indices NIFTY 50 and BSE Sensex both down by more than five percent.
Modi has transformed India’s political landscape over his 10 years in power, bringing Hindu nationalism into the mainstream while deeply dividing the country. His supporters view him as a strong leader who has elevated India’s global standing. Critics argue his Hindu-first politics have fostered intolerance and increased economic inequality.
Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge described the alliance’s performance as a “win for democracy” and a “moral and political loss” for Modi.
Challenges Ahead
Critics accuse Modi’s government of undermining democracy through strong-arm tactics against political opponents, suppressing independent media, and quashing dissent, accusations the government denies. Economic discontent continues to simmer, with youth unemployment soaring despite record-high stock markets and a growing number of millionaires.
Rahul Gandhi stated that the current totals reflect the people’s message. “The poorest of this country have defended the constitution of India,” he said.