Who will be next PM of India? India has commenced what is considered the world’s largest general election, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an unprecedented third consecutive term as the nation’s leader.
The voting process began on Friday and is expected to unfold over the next six weeks, culminating in anticipated results on June 4.
Massive Voter Turnout Expected:
With a staggering 968 million eligible voters, this election is a monumental undertaking.
Rajiv Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner of India, estimated that approximately 168.6 million individuals were anticipated to cast their votes on the first day of polling.
Extensive Electoral Preparations:
Preparations for this massive electoral event have been underway for the past two years.
Also read: PM Modi signs trans-continental trade pact with UAE
The electoral landscape features over 2,600 political parties competing for 543 seats in the lower house of Parliament.
Complex Voting Schedule:
The voting schedule is spread across multiple dates: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.
Certain states will complete the process in a single day, while others will span multiple phases.
Geographic and Political Significance:
The inaugural phase of polling covered 21 states and union territories, including populous regions such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
This election also marks a significant moment for Kashmir, with its first election post the revocation of its special autonomous status in 2019.
Modi’s Ambitious Goals:
Modi’s National Democratic Alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, is aiming for a resounding victory by targeting approximately 400 seats.
To form a government, a party or coalition must secure a minimum of 272 seats.
Opposition Coalition Led by Rahul Gandhi:
The main opposition force is the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), comprising around two dozen parties and spearheaded by the Congress Party.
Rahul Gandhi, representing the Gandhi-Nehru political dynasty, leads this coalition with the aim of challenging Modi’s dominance in Indian politics.
