In India's recent elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aged 73, and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are poised for another parliamentary majority. Early results show the BJP leading with 281 seats out of 543, with 272 needed for a majority. This marks Modi's near-secured third term, continuing his tenure since 2014.
A total of 642 million people voted in a staggered, six-week election. Despite a higher vote share compared to 2019, the BJP is expected to secure fewer seats. The election was marred by extreme heat, with at least 33 election workers dying from heatstroke in Uttar Pradesh.
Controversially, Modi has faced criticism for inflammatory remarks about Muslims during the campaign. The Election Commission decided not to penalize top leaders from both the BJP and its main opposition, the Congress party, to maintain fairness.
Key opposition figure Rahul Gandhi, leading the Indian National Congress, saw better-than-expected results with his coalition ahead in more than 220 seats. Analysts predict a more negotiated governance if BJP's majority diminishes.
Internationally, Modi's prolonged tenure impacts global relations, including with the US, Europe, China, Russia, and Pakistan. The elections, conducted amid significant logistical challenges, saw a turnout of 66.3%, slightly lower than in 2019.
Final results were anticipated by Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, with the BJP readying celebrations if predictions hold.