India is preparing to hold its largest general elections in history, with over 970 million registered voters set to participate. The seven-stage election, which begins on April 19 and ends on June 1, will determine the country’s next prime minister. According to polls, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is projected to win more than the required 272 seats to form a government.
Experts predict that Modi’s BJP is likely to secure a third straight term due to India’s economic growth momentum and increased global standing under his leadership. Despite allegations of electronic voting machine tampering from opposition parties, the Election Commission of India has refuted these claims.
In the lead-up to the elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has urged voters to maintain decorum during campaigning and avoid personal attacks. Since Modi’s reelection in 2019, India’s economy has strengthened, with record highs in key equity benchmarks like the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex. The country overtook Hong Kong in December to become the world’s seventh-largest stock market.
With India poised for an expected 8% growth this year according to the International Monetary Fund, international interest in the country as an investment destination has increased. Modi’s diplomatic efforts, including his state visit to the US last year, have improved India’s standing globally and attracted companies looking to diversify manufacturing away from China. The upcoming elections are seen as a crucial moment for India’s future growth and development.
