New Delhi: In the vibrant heart of the world’s largest democracy, a grand electoral spectacle unfolds every five years, inviting millions of Indians to partake in the democratic process of electing a fresh parliament.
The process is marked by a colorful display of exuberance, where dance, drumbeats, and fireworks reverberate across the vast landscape of India. Candidates embark on energetic processions, showcasing their platforms to win over voters.
Vibrant caravans of motorcycles, jeeps, and auto-rickshaws weave through bustling alleyways and thoroughfares, as eager citizens gather to catch a glimpse of the contenders.
The national election, spanning six weeks, commences on Friday with voting slated across 21 states during the initial phase.
From April 19 to June 1, approximately 970 million eligible voters—an impressive 10% of the world’s population—will have the opportunity to select 543 representatives for the lower house of parliament.
Among the participating regions, southern Tamil Nadu stands out, where oversized cardboard cutouts of political icons are a prominent feature during the election season.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to establish a foothold in Tamil Nadu, a region long dominated by regional parties. The campaign is characterized by themes such as rising living costs, corruption, federalism, and the protection of minority interests.
The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party aspires to sustain its dominance. In the 2019 elections, DMK secured 38 out of 39 parliamentary seats in Tamil Nadu.
DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin leads his party’s efforts, part of the opposition INDIA alliance, which seeks to challenge Modi’s administration and diminish its stronghold. INDIA, standing for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, encompasses the primary opposition party, Congress.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the daughter of Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi, is campaigning in eastern Assam, where several districts are set to vote in the first phase.
In neighboring West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool Congress party, under the leadership of state chief minister Mamata Banerjee, faces a formidable challenge from the BJP. The campaign in these districts, which vote on Friday, focuses on the struggles of tea garden laborers advocating for better wages.
Modi has embarked on an extensive nationwide journey, holding rallies and road shows to rally support for BJP candidates, pledging that his party will guide India to the status of a ‘developed nation’ by 2047.
Modi and the BJP are anticipated to clinch victory for a third consecutive term. The final results will be declared on June 4.