CHENNAI: India began voting on Friday (Apr 19) in the world's largest election as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a historic third term in office on the back of growth, welfare, his personal populari
Polling officials work to set up a polling station at a school, a day ahead of the first phase of the election, at Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, India , on Apr 18, 2024. as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a historic third term in office on the back of growth, welfare, his personal popularity and Hindu nationalism.which is challenging him with promises of increased affirmative action, more handouts and what they say is the need to save democratic institutions from Modi's dictatorial rule.
Voters began lining up outside polling stations much before they opened at 7am amid tight security, including senior citizens who needed help to reach the booths. "In the next five years, we will take our nation into the top three economies of the world, launch a final and decisive assault against poverty, open up newer avenues of growth ... unveil the next generation of reforms, and take a number of pro-people decisions and actions," Modi wrote in the BJP’s election manifesto.
"I particularly call upon the young and first time voters to vote in large numbers. After all, every vote counts and every voice matters," he said.If he wins, Modi will be only the second Indian prime minister to be elected three times in a row, after post-independence leader Jawaharlal Nehru. The opposition INDIA alliance says the election is an ideological battle being fought to stop the BJP from ending the constitutional and democratic system.
While the alliance has struggled to forge unity and field common candidates against the BJP, it has accused the government of denying it a level playing field by arresting opposition leaders in corruption cases and making huge tax demands ahead of the vote - charges the government denies.
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