Observers anticipate that the elections could have significant implications for Pakistan, especially if Narendra Modi secures a third term as Prime Minister.

ISLAMABAD: As the Indian general elections unfold, the BJP appears increasingly reliant on anti-Pakistan rhetoric, raising concerns about the party’s campaign strategy. Facing numerous challenges, the BJP has intensified its use of anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim narratives in an attempt to galvanize voters and secure seats in the Lok Sabha.

Throughout the election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has adopted an aggressive stance against Pakistan, frequently employing baseless accusations and threats. This tactic is seen as a method to rally support among voters by playing on nationalist sentiments.

In a recent speech, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar countered Modi by advocating for respect towards Pakistan, acknowledging it as a sovereign nuclear power. Modi seized this opportunity to launch a scathing attack on Congress, dedicating an entire speech to denouncing Pakistan. This approach reflects a broader pattern in which India disrupts regional peace for its political gain, often at the expense of its own populace.

The infamous Pulwama incident of 2019 and Modi’s subsequent dramatics continue to be a source of international ridicule. Similarly, during the current elections, Modi’s staged terror incidents in Rajouri and Poonch have been perceived as blatant attempts to deceive the Indian public.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi criticized the BJP’s focus, pointing out that while unemployment in India has reached its highest level in 45 years, the nation remains preoccupied with debates over Pakistan. She emphasized that the upcoming votes should address pressing issues like inflation, unemployment, and farmers’ struggles, rather than being influenced by religious or anti-Pakistan rhetoric.

Historically, Modi has used hate speech and anti-Muslim propaganda in his campaigns, leading to a pervasive sense of insecurity and extremism among Indian Muslims. Human rights organizations, including the United Nations and Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly called on Modi to address the severe human rights violations against Muslims in India.

The BJP’s reliance on anti-Pakistan sentiment suggests a lack of substantive policy proposals and a desperate bid to maintain voter support. As regional and global observers question whether India’s extremist political factions will continue to foment unrest for political gain, the welfare of both the region and its citizens hangs in the balance.

Impact of Indian General Elections on Pakistan: An Uncertain Future

The impact of the ongoing Indian general elections on Pakistan remains to be seen. However, given Pakistan’s current political turmoil and economic challenges, the stakes are high. Observers anticipate that the elections could have significant implications for Pakistan, especially if Narendra Modi secures a third term as Prime Minister.

Political and Economic Challenges in Pakistan

Pakistan is grappling with substantial difficulties, including severe political strife and economic instability. The country’s ongoing issues make it particularly vulnerable to external pressures and developments in neighboring India.

Anticipating Modi’s Third Term

As the Indian elections progress, it becomes increasingly likely that Modi will retain his position as Prime Minister. Modi’s aggressive policies are well-documented and have been a focal point in his election campaigns. The use of anti-Pakistan rhetoric has been a recurring theme to rally voter support, reflecting a strategy to consolidate nationalist sentiments.

Aggressive Policies and Their Implications

Modi’s previous terms have been marked by a hardline stance against Pakistan, supported by organizations like the RSS, which have been accused of perpetuating anti-Muslim sentiments. Should Modi secure a third term, it is expected that Pakistan could face heightened challenges. His administration’s aggressive posture has consistently been a cause for concern for Pakistan.

Increased Strain on Pakistan-India Relations

Modi’s campaign has heavily relied on anti-Pakistan narratives, suggesting that a continuation of his leadership could exacerbate tensions between the two countries. The election rhetoric has already heightened public sentiment against Pakistan, indicating a potential increase in diplomatic and perhaps even military pressures on Islamabad.

The Road Ahead

While the precise impact of the Indian elections on Pakistan will unfold over time, the indicators suggest a potentially turbulent future for bilateral relations. As Modi seeks to solidify his power through nationalist appeals, Pakistan must brace for possible intensification of hostilities and prepare to navigate the ensuing geopolitical landscape.

The world watches closely as the Indian elections advance, recognizing that the outcomes will not only shape India’s future but also significantly influence regional stability and Pakistan’s trajectory in the coming years.

Indian General Elections Enter Fourth Phase

The Indian general elections, which began on May 13, have now entered their fourth phase. In this crucial phase, Indian citizens are voting to elect 96 members of parliament.

Key Political Contenders

According to an Al Jazeera report, the two main political contenders are Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), a coalition of 26 parties led by Rahul Gandhi’s Indian National Congress.

Notable Votes & Candidates

Last week, during the third phase of voting, Modi cast his vote in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, where a fierce competition took place between key candidates. Sonia Gandhi, former president of the Congress Party, criticized Modi and the BJP for their relentless pursuit of power.

This fourth phase sees a number of prominent Bollywood actors contesting elections. Shatrughan Sinha is running again from a constituency in West Bengal, while actress Madhavi Latha is contesting from the Hyderabad seat in Telangana as a BJP candidate.

Voter Turnout

The voter turnout for the first three phases, held on April 19, April 26, and May 7, was 66.1%, 66.7%, and 61% respectively. These figures are lower compared to the 2019 elections. In total, 969 million people are registered to vote across 543 parliamentary constituencies in 36 states.

Fourth Phase Voting Locations

In this phase, voting is taking place in 96 seats across nine states and the disputed region of Kashmir. The states include Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.

Kashmir’s Unique Situation

For the first time since 1996, the BJP is not contesting any seats in the disputed region of Kashmir. The primary contenders in Kashmir are strong local political parties such as the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party.

Recent reports indicate that while Modi and the BJP maintain widespread popularity across India, there is a growing discontent among the youth in Kashmir. This is particularly significant as many young voters will be casting their ballots for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which stripped Kashmir of its special status.

Local Political Climate

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in an interview with AFP, emphasized the importance of young Kashmiris making their voices heard, stating that it is time to communicate their dissatisfaction with the events that have transpired.

The National Conference, led by Abdullah, is actively working to restore the region’s former status, while the Modi government claims that the abrogation of Kashmir’s special status has brought peace to the region, asserting that this decision enjoys widespread support among Kashmiris.

BJP’s Electoral Strategy

Experts suggest that the BJP’s decision not to field candidates in Kashmir reflects Modi’s awareness of potential electoral defeat in the region, viewing the election as a referendum on his policies.

Progress of the Elections

So far, the fate of 284 members of parliament has been decided in the first three phases of the Lok Sabha elections. Voting has concluded in regions including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Karnataka, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Tripura.

The fifth phase of voting is scheduled to begin on May 20, followed by the sixth phase on May 25, and the final, seventh phase on June 1.