India’s marathon election came to a close in Varanasi, with voters enduring extreme heat to cast their ballots. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to win a third term, presenting himself as a passionate defender of Hinduism. His Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance is projected to secure a majority in the general election, with exit polls suggesting they could win over 350 seats in the 543-member lower house of parliament. The opposition led by Rahul Gandhi’s Congress party is predicted to win more than 120 seats.
Varanasi, as the spiritual center of Hinduism, is a place where Modi’s alignment of religion and politics is strongly supported. Modi has won previous elections by appealing to Hindu voters, with grand gestures such as the inauguration of a temple in Ayodhya built on the ruins of a mosque demolished by Hindu radicals in 1992. This fervent display of Hindu nationalism has caused concern among India’s Muslim community, which makes up over 200 million people. Modi has made inflammatory statements about Muslims on the campaign trail, accusing them of being infiltrators and suggesting the opposition parties are planning to prioritize Muslim citizens over others.
The tense atmosphere in Varanasi has caused distress among some residents, such as Muslim clothesmaker Janesar Akhtar, who believes that the BJP’s focus on religious politics is diverting attention from the country’s real issues, such as unemployment. Despite these concerns, many voters in Varanasi remain loyal to Modi, seeing him as the leader who can bring growth and development to the country. The exit poll results have shown a significant lead for Modi’s alliance, with a strong likelihood of them winning a majority in parliament once again.
While exit polls in India have had a mixed track record in predicting election outcomes, there is considerable anticipation among Modi’s supporters in Varanasi for a victory. The city holds a special significance for Modi, being the place where he won the previous two elections by large margins. Devotees come from all over India to cremate their loved ones by the Ganges river in Varanasi, which further emphasizes the city’s role as a religious and political hub. As the final city to vote in the grueling election process, Varanasi’s results will play a crucial role in determining the overall outcome of the election.
