NEW DELHI: India braces for its monumental electoral process, with voting scheduled to commence in phases starting April 19, announced by the country’s election authority. However, the announcement comes amid widespread human rights violations and coercive tactics against opposition political parties, casting a shadow over the democratic proceedings.
With nearly one billion eligible voters, this election represents the world’s largest democratic event, yet concerns over the integrity of the electoral process loom large.
The electoral arena features incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies against a coalition of around two dozen opposition parties, spearheaded by the Congress party. Modi’s tenure has witnessed the rise of Hindutva ideology, characterized by hostility towards minorities, sparking fears of India’s drift towards authoritarianism.
Modi, 73, seeks a third consecutive term, banking on his party’s promises of economic growth, infrastructure development, and a revival of Hindu nationalism. His campaign rhetoric highlights achievements while dismissing allegations of human rights abuses and religious polarization.
Meanwhile, the opposition alliance, led by Congress, emphasizes issues such as unemployment, rural distress, and the need to combat religious polarization. However, internal discord and seat-sharing disputes within the opposition pose challenges to presenting a unified front against the BJP.
The electoral battleground is vast, with nearly 970 million registered voters and over one million polling stations. Amidst the political fervor, Modi’s leadership and the ascent of Hindutva ideology have drawn global criticism for their impact on India’s democratic principles and social fabric.
