India Begins Counting Votes After Record Turnout in National Elections

Counting is underway in India following the conclusion of its massive elections on Saturday, with early results suggesting a lead for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP party. A record-breaking 642 million people voted in this pivotal election, with ballot boxes and electronic voting machines being opened at heavily guarded polling stations. The election, fueled by Modi’s Hindu-centric ideology, faced criticism for shifting to divisive and Islamophobic messaging during its campaign. Opposition parties, led by Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress, formed a coalition in an attempt to counter Modi’s influence, amidst accusations of intimidation and democratic backsliding.

• Counting of votes is in progress after India’s massive elections, with results expected to emerge later today.
• A record 642 million people participated in the voting process.
• Early results indicate a lead for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP party.
• The election was marked by a Hindu-centric campaign strategy from Modi, facing criticism for divisive and Islamophobic messaging.
• Rahul Gandhi’s Indian National Congress and its allies formed a coalition to challenge Modi, amidst accusations of intimidation and a crackdown on democratic freedoms.
• Despite expectations of a sweeping victory for Modi, early results suggest a tighter race, with the BJP and its allies leading in 292 seats, and the opposition alliance trailing with 209 seats.
• Political commentator AJ Bose highlighted the election as a significant moment for Indian democracy, potentially challenging Modi’s dominance and signaling a more competitive political landscape.
• Accusations of democratic backsliding and attacks on institutions were prevalent during the campaign, raising concerns about the future direction of India’s governance.

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