India voted in the fourth phase of a seven-week-long general election, with campaign rhetoric becoming more intense over economic disparities and religious divisions. The election began on Apr 19 and will be concluded on Jun 4, with nearly a billion people eligible to vote. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a rare third consecutive term, leading his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party against an alliance of over two dozen opposition parties, including main rival Congress.
The voting for 96 seats in 10 states and territories on Monday had 177 million eligible voters. The southern and eastern states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha where BJP is not as strong are the focus of this phase. The voter turnout has been a concern in the previous phases, and the impact of hot weather on voting is also being monitored. Modi has changed his campaign approach, shifting focus from his economic achievements to accusing Congress of prioritizing welfare benefits for Muslim minorities over disadvantaged Hindu groups.
The lower turnout has raised doubts about the BJP securing the predicted landslide victory. Surveys suggest voters are mainly concerned about unemployment and rising prices. Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, is advocating for better representation and welfare programs for India’s poor and disadvantaged groups, claiming that wealth inequality has worsened during Modi’s tenure. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant temporary bail to Arvind Kejriwal, a key opposition leader, ahead of the vote was a boost for the opposition INDIA alliance.
India has a large Hindu population, but also the world’s third-largest Muslim population. The opposition is aiming to address issues of unemployment and inflation, while Modi’s government has been accused of targeting opposition leaders through investigations and arrests. Kejriwal, a vocal critic of Modi, was arrested in a corruption case but denies the allegations. The government denies any interference with law enforcement agencies. As the election progresses, tensions remain high, and the outcome of this closely watched and significant event will have far-reaching implications for India’s future.
