Millions of Indian voters were casting their ballots in 93 constituencies across the country on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading a polarizing election campaign. Modi has been making incendiary speeches targeting the Muslim minority, referring to them as “infiltrators” and accusing them of having too many children. He has also accused the opposition Indian National Congress party of planning to take wealth from Hindus and redistribute it among Muslims.
The third round of multi-phase national elections on Tuesday includes crucial seats in states like Karnataka, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. Most polls predict a win for Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party, who are facing off against a coalition of opposition parties led by the Congress. The election will run until June 1, with votes set to be counted on June 4. Modi has shifted his campaign focus from economic progress to Hindu nationalism, using divisive rhetoric to consolidate votes among the Hindu population.
Despite India’s fast-growing economy, many citizens are facing economic stress, leading to discontent among voters. The opposition alliance aims to capitalize on issues like unemployment, inflation, corruption, and low agricultural prices to galvanize support. Analysts believe that the BJP’s shift towards polarizing speeches may be a tactic to distract from larger issues and address low voter turnout in the first two phases of the election. Modi’s critics have accused him of using hate speech to divide the population along religious lines.
Modi and other BJP leaders have made controversial statements linking the opposition Congress party to threats against Hindus and women’s wealth. Critics have labeled these remarks as hate speech, with accusations of inciting religious tensions. The election commission, responsible for overseeing the polls, has not issued any warnings against Modi for violating codes of conduct that prohibit appealing to caste or communal feelings. Modi’s party denies the accusations, claiming that their policies benefit all Indians.
Political analysts suggest that the BJP’s focus on Hindu nationalism is an attempt to consolidate their voter base amid growing concerns about economic issues. The party had initially relied on the construction of a Hindu temple as a rallying point, but the focus has shifted to issues like inflation and unemployment. The ongoing campaign has sparked debates around secularism and diversity in India, with critics accusing Modi and the BJP of undermining the country’s traditions. The election commission will continue to monitor the situation as the campaign progresses towards its conclusion.
