In the initial phase of the world’s largest elections, millions of Indians have cast their votes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims for a third term, focusing on growth, welfare, and Hindu nationalism.
Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is up against an alliance of opposition parties advocating for affirmative action and emphasizing the protection of democratic institutions.
The voter turnout varied from 40 percent in Bihar to 68 percent in Tripura, showcasing the diverse engagement in the electoral process across India.
Modi encouraged voters to participate in record numbers, while the Indian National Congress party called for an end to “hatred and injustice.”
(Al Jazeera)
A total of 969 million people have registered to vote, with a significant number of first-time voters and young individuals, making India’s electorate larger than the entire population of the 27 European Union member states.
Long Lines of Voters
Friday marked the beginning of a series of voting phases, covering various constituencies across India, including regions like Tamil Nadu and Arunachal Pradesh. Despite challenges, voters in Manipur turned out in large numbers amidst ethnic conflicts.
Outside a polling station in Haridwar, voters patiently waited in a long queue, expressing their optimism about the country’s future direction.
Article from www.aljazeera.com