India’s General Election 2024: Results Awaited Amid High Stakes Battle

India is on the brink of determining the results of its highly anticipated general election after a six-week long voting process. Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is vying for another term, facing stiff competition from the opposition alliance led by the Indian National Congress.

The election, held for the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, is crucial as it will decide the future leadership of the nation. Modi, eyeing a majority victory, has set ambitious targets for his party, expecting to surpass the 400-seat mark.

Modi preemptively claimed victory following favorable exit polls, hinting at a potential landslide triumph. The anticipation has spurred optimism in the market, with India’s stock futures soaring in response.

To challenge Modi’s dominance, over 20 opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, banded together to form an alliance, focusing on critical issues like unemployment and the rising cost of living.

The BJP’s goal of securing a landslide victory hinges on making headway in affluent southern states where its influence has historically been limited. These areas have distinctive linguistic and economic preferences, often favoring regional parties over the BJP.

Furthermore, expanding BJP’s footprint in key states like Uttar Pradesh is essential for securing a significant win. In the 2019 elections, the party triumphed in 62 out of 80 seats in the populous state.

The BJP’s ascendancy over the years traces back to its humble beginnings, with only two seats in 1984. Embracing Hindu-first policies and riding on India’s economic growth, Modi’s leadership has garnered substantial support.

On the contrary, the Indian National Congress, which has a rich history of governing India post-independence, has faced challenges due to corruption allegations, leadership struggles, and a perceived lack of innovative policies.