More than 10 of the world’s population will cast its vote in the Indian election.
Millions of Indians turned out to vote on Friday in a six-week election that is a referendum on Narendra Modi, the populist prime minister who has championed an assertive brand of Hindu nationalist politics and is seeking a rare third term as the country’s leader.
The voting ended at 6pm and the turnout was estimated at around 60% of 66.3 million eligible voters in the first round, the election authority said in a statement. By comparison, India’s 2019 national election registered the highest turnout — 67.11% — in the history of Indian parliamentary elections.
This election is considered one of the most consequential in India’s history and will test the limits of Mr Modi’s political dominance. The election comes after a decade of Mr Modi’s leadership, during which the BJP consolidated power through Hindu-first politics and economic development. Critics warn that Mr Modi has turned increasingly illiberal and could use a third term to undermine India’s democracy.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
India starts voting as Narendra Modi seeks third term as prime ministerMore than 10 of the world’s population will cast its vote in the Indian election.
Read more »
India starts voting as Narendra Modi seeks third term as prime ministerMore than 10 of the world’s population will cast its vote in the Indian election.
Read more »
Why India’s elite loves Narendra ModiEducated voters usually disdain populists. Three factors explain why India’s leader is different
Read more »
Thousands protest against India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi over arrest of his top political rivalThe 'Save Democracy' rally, organised by an alliance of India's opposition parties, was the first major public demonstration against the arrest of prominent anti-corruption campaigner Arvind Kejriwal earlier this month.
Read more »
Narendra Modi’s secret weapon: India’s diasporaMigrants help campaign for the prime minister at home and lobby for the country abroad
Read more »
Investors bet an election win by Narendra Modi will extend India’s stock market boomSome analysts are increasingly concerned about lofty valuations and shallow markets
Read more »