After more than six weeks, the parliamentary elections have concluded in India. The last polling stations closed in the evening, but results are not expected until June 4th. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is predicted to secure a third term in office, leading his party, the BJP, with a strongly Hindu nationalist agenda.
If re-elected, Modi will be only the second head of government in India to serve a third term. However, critics and the opposition are concerned that if Modi’s party is re-elected, there may be attempts to change the constitution to further solidify this course. It remains to be seen whether the BJP can expand its majority in parliament to achieve this goal.
According to a post-election survey, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is projected to have over 350 seats in the lower house of parliament, significantly more than the 272 seats needed for a majority. The largest opposition bloc under the leadership of the Congress Party is expected to have more than 120 seats.
The election campaign focused on Modi’s leadership, economic growth attracting investors, and modern infrastructure development. However, critics pointed out issues such as high unemployment and inflation. Additionally, Modi and his party aim to make India predominantly for the Hindu majority