Millions of Indian voters took part in a crucial round of national elections amidst allegations of detentions, election confrontations, and concerns over voter turnout. Prime Minister Modi’s decade-long rule faces challenges as the country grapples with issues of social justice and unemployment.
India Votes in National Election
On Saturday, millions of Indian voters participated in a key round of national elections, seeking to determine the future of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Voting commenced at 7 a.m. across 58 constituencies, including seven in New Delhi. This election phase completes polling for 89.5% of the 543 seats in the lower house of Parliament. The final round of voting for the remaining 57 seats is scheduled for June 1, with the vote count set for June 4.
Prominent early voters included President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, alongside opposition Congress party figures Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Former Chief Minister of Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, protested alleged detentions of her party workers, while election confrontations included clashes in West Bengal.
The election, notable for its contentious and polarized campaigns, will test Modi’s decade-long rule. High temperatures exceeding 45°C/113°F prompted the Election Commission to ensure voter comfort at polling stations. Poll outcomes remain uncertain partly due to lower-than-expected voter turnout in earlier rounds, averaging 65.9%.
Political observers anticipate a possible win for the BJP but note Modi’s campaign faced significant opposition challenges focused on social justice and unemployment.
