With 96 seats up for grabs across 10 states and territories, encompassing a staggering 177 million eligible voters, the democratic fabric of India was on full display.
New Delhi: Amidst the vibrant tapestry of India‘s democratic process, the fourth phase of the general election commenced with fervor, embracing the diversity and democratic spirit of the nation. As millions exercised their constitutional right to vote, engaging in a discourse that mirrors the rich mosaic of Indian society, the essence of democracy resonated through the streets and polling booths across the country.
With 96 seats up for grabs across 10 states and territories, encompassing a staggering 177 million eligible voters, the democratic fabric of India was on full display. From the bustling streets of Telangana to the serene landscapes of Odisha, citizens queued up with enthusiasm, eager to cast their ballots and shape the destiny of the nation.
In the midst of this electoral fervor, leaders from across the political spectrum rallied their supporters, advocating for their vision of a prosperous and inclusive India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a rare third term in office, appealed to the electorate for a decisive mandate, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi championed the cause of the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society.
Yet, amidst the political fervor, the essence of Indian democracy transcended mere political rhetoric. Despite scorching temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in many regions, voters braved the heat to participate in this quintessential celebration of democracy.
However, beyond the political narratives and electoral dynamics, the heartening aspect of this phase was the resilience of Indian democracy itself. Despite the challenges and complexities, the democratic spirit remained unyielding, with citizens from all walks of life coming together to shape the future of their beloved nation.
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As the nation eagerly awaits the results, slated to be announced on June 4, one thing remains certain – the indomitable spirit of Indian democracy continues to shine bright, illuminating the path towards a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Nearly one billion voters
India’s election is conducted in seven phases over six weeks to ease the immense logistical burden of staging the democratic exercise in the world’s most populous country.
More than 968 million people are eligible to vote in India’s election, with the final round of polling on June 1 and results expected three days later.
Turnout so far has declined significantly from the last national poll in 2019, according to election commission figures.
Analysts have blamed widespread expectations that Modi will easily win a third term and hotter-than-average temperatures heading into the summer.
India’s weather bureau has forecast more hot spells in May and the election commission formed a taskforce last month to review the impact of heat and humidity before each round of voting.
Rhetoric over religion, inequality sharpens
“I appeal to all to vote for a decisive government,” said Amit Shah, Modi’s powerful aide and the country’s interior affairs minister, as voting began.
Polling will be held for 96 seats in 10 states and territories on Monday, with 177m people eligible to cast their ballots. A large number of seats are in the southern and eastern states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha where the BJP is not as strong as other parts of the country.
Turnout is being closely watched as marginally lower numbers in the first three phases have raised concerns about voter disinterest in an election without a strong, central issue. The impact of hot weather on voting is also being watched with maximums in many parts of the country around 40 degrees Celsius or higher.
The lower turnout has raised doubts over whether the BJP and its allies can win the landslide predicted by opinion polls.
Analysts say the lower turnout prompted Modi to change the tack of his campaign after the first phase, shifting focus from his economic record to accusing the Congress of planning to extend welfare benefits to minority Muslims at the expense of disadvantaged tribal groups and Hindu castes.
Congress has denied making any such promise and has said Modi is rattled by the turnout, which the BJP denies.
About 80 per cent of India’s 1.4 billion people are Hindus but it also has the world’s third-largest Muslim population of about 200m people. Surveys suggest voters are most concerned about unemployment and price rises.
Led by Rahul Gandhi, Congress is pitching for better representation and welfare programmes for India’s poor and disadvantaged groups, stating that wealth inequality has worsened during Modi’s 10-year term, a charge rejected by the government.
The opposition INDIA alliance led by Congress got a shot in the arm ahead of Monday’s vote when the Supreme Court gave temporary bail to Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of the national capital territory of Delhi and a key opposition leader, allowing him to campaign.
Kejriwal is a fierce critic of Modi and was arrested a month before the elections in a liquor policy graft case, sparking accusations Modi’s government was seeking to cripple the opposition through investigations and arrests.
Kejriwal denies the corruption allegations while the government says it does not influence law enforcement agencies.