India is currently in the midst of a general election, with polls indicating that incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to secure a third term in office. Modi has been viewed by many as a strong figure, with charisma that his opposition lacks. During his previous terms, Modi focused on improving the standard of living, particularly for the middle class, and emphasized pride in India’s Hindu identity, which resonated with many voters. Additionally, India’s economic success during the COVID-19 pandemic further bolstered Modi’s popularity, as the country remained relatively unscathed compared to its neighbors.
Modi’s popularity extends across social and economic divides, with many Indians acknowledging the improvements in quality of life under his leadership. The opening of the Ram Mandhir temple in Ayodhya, despite controversial circumstances, was a significant event that appealed to the Hindu majority but raised concerns among religious minorities about favoritism toward one community. Modi’s policies have also been criticized for neglecting India’s religious and cultural diversity, favoring the Hindu majority, and undermining democratic institutions.
Despite internal and external criticism, Modi’s leadership has been marked by strong foreign relations, with a focus on maintaining ties with major global powers without aligning solely with one side. However, concerns have been raised about the government’s revisionist approach to Indian history, including textbook changes and efforts to sanitize controversial figures. These actions, along with the centralization of power and erosion of institutions, have fueled concerns about the state of democracy in India.
While Modi’s government faces scrutiny for its handling of dissent and opposition, his strong support base both domestically and internationally suggests that he is likely to secure a third term in office. His focus on economic growth, clean governance, and infrastructure development has resonated with a broad cross-section of Indian society. Despite ongoing debates about the erosion of democratic norms, the upcoming election results are expected to reaffirm Modi’s position as a dominant political figure in India. The final results of the election will be announced on June 4, with Modi continuing to be a significant player in Indian politics for the foreseeable future.
