India is beginning a six-week voting period, and it is widely believed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely win the parliamentary contest. However, there are many questions surrounding what the outcome could mean for the country. If Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) performs well, it could further its agenda of promoting Hinduism in public life. Opposition parties are concerned about potential democratic backsliding, including threats to press freedom.
The BJP’s campaign manifesto focuses on boosting India’s already fast-growing economy, which faces challenges such as low investment levels, high youth unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where a large portion of the population resides. The economy has received a boost from Western businesses looking to diversify their investments away from China, and Modi’s government has garnered support from the US in its efforts to counter Beijing’s expanding global influence.
All 543 seats in India’s lower house of Parliament, the Lok Sabha, are up for grabs, with the Prime Minister being selected by whichever party or coalition can secure a majority. The election outcome will have a significant impact on the future direction of the country and its relations with other global powers.