India’s historic and pivotal national election has finally drawn to a close after six weeks of intense campaigning and voting. This election, viewed as a crucial referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu Nationalist government, saw millions of Indian citizens exercise their democratic right.
Throughout this marathon election, the candidates traversed the length and breadth of the country, election workers journeyed to remote villages, and voters stood in long lines under the scorching sun. Nearly 970 million citizens, representing over 10% of the global population, cast their ballots for the 8,300 candidates vying for parliamentary seats.
The results of this election will be unveiled on Tuesday, with the possibility of Prime Minister Modi securing a third consecutive term in office, a feat achieved only by Jawaharlal Nehru in the past. Modi’s campaign, which initially focused on economic growth and development, took a divisive turn as he delved into polarizing rhetoric aimed at the Muslim minority.
Despite his popularity and reputation for economic progress since assuming power in 2014, Modi’s rule has also been marred by attacks and discrimination against minorities, particularly the Muslim community. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and his Congress party have vehemently criticized Modi’s nationalist politics, tapping into growing economic discontent and issues like unemployment to challenge him.
As the dust settles on this historic election, the fate of India hangs in the balance. Will Modi secure another term, or will the opposition alliance succeed in unseating him? Only time will tell as the world awaits the announcement of the election results on Tuesday.
With the future of India at stake, the significance of this election cannot be underestimated. Stay tuned for more updates as the country charts its course for the next five years. It’s a pivotal moment in Indian history, and the world is watching with bated breath.
Written by: Linda Bordoni
(Source: AP News Agency)
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