Modi claims victory in historic third term amid reduced majority

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has claimed a historic third consecutive win in the parliamentary elections, though his ruling alliance appears to have fallen short of the large majority predicted.**

Modi thanked voters and pledged to continue the “good work” of the past decade. His BJP-led alliance is leading in more than 290 of the 543 seats, well below their target of 400. In contrast, the Congress and allied opposition parties have surpassed expectations, poised to win over 230 seats.

The results contradict numerous exit polls that had projected a supermajority for the BJP-led NDA alliance, which would have enabled them to make constitutional changes.

In his first post-election remarks, Modi emphasized his historic third victory. Speaking to supporters, he described his victory as “the biggest in the world” and expressed his happiness.

Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition Congress party, stated that Modi and the BJP were “punished” by voters at the ballot box. Analysts attribute the BJP’s setback to rising prices, joblessness, and a controversial army recruitment reform, along with Modi’s aggressive and divisive campaign, which may have alienated voters in parts of the country.

Modi had aimed for 370 seats for the BJP and 400 for his alliance, up from the 303 seats won by the BJP alone in 2019. However, the BJP is not expected to secure the 272 seats needed for a majority in the lower house of parliament, marking a setback for the party. This means Modi will have to rely on smaller NDA parties to push through his agenda.

Speculation has arisen that Gandhi might attempt to form a government, but two key NDA parties have already pledged support for the incumbent prime minister.

Some major developments of the election include:
– Modi retained his seat in Varanasi, but with a reduced majority.
– Gandhi won a seat in Kerala and is expected to win a second seat in Uttar Pradesh.
– The BJP faced unexpected losses in Uttar Pradesh, including prominent minister Smriti Irani losing her seat.

The election, seen by many as a referendum on Modi’s decade in office, has led to a major upset. The mood in BJP offices nationwide has been described as “sombre,” while Congress headquarters saw celebrations. Indian markets showed jitters, falling more than 2%, indicating uncertainty about the governing alliance’s future.

An average of 66% of voters participated in the election, the largest democratic exercise ever seen, with nearly a billion registered voters—about one-eighth of the global population. Voting was staggered over seven rounds between April 19 and June 1 for security and logistical reasons. Much of the election took place in extreme heat, with temperatures in parts of India reaching nearly 50°C.

The BJP and its rivals fought a fierce campaign. Modi toured the country, highlighting achievements in welfare schemes and raising India’s global profile, while opposition parties focused on cost-of-living issues, high unemployment, and fears of constitutional changes disempowering the disadvantaged.

A number of opposition leaders and government critics have been jailed in recent years, including Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was briefly released to campaign after being taken into custody on corruption charges in April.