AHMEDABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took advantage of the early voting opportunity as India entered the third phase of its extensive general election. Despite cautioning about the scorching summer heat, he emphasized the importance of a robust voter turnout.
India, the world’s most populous nation, commenced voting on April 19 in a seven-phase election involving nearly one billion eligible voters, with the counting of ballots scheduled for June 4.
Modi, vying for an unprecedented third consecutive term, leads the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party against a coalition of over two dozen opposition parties. Surveys indicate a probable comfortable victory for him.
Addressing the public shortly after voting in his home state of Gujarat, Modi urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process while ensuring their well-being amidst the heat. He cast his vote in the Gandhinagar constituency, where the BJP’s candidate is his second-in-command, Home Minister Amit Shah.
Accompanied by numerous supporters and party members, Modi, dressed in saffron and white attire, interacted with the crowd, signing autographs and engaging with children en route to the polling booth. He was welcomed by Shah amidst the beating of drums and the ringing of bells.
Initially, Modi’s campaign highlighted his economic achievements, welfare initiatives, nationalistic fervor, and personal popularity. However, following the first phase of voting on April 19, it shifted focus towards energizing the BJP’s Hindu support base by portraying rivals as pro-Muslim. Despite surveys indicating that jobs and inflation are the primary concerns of voters.
In an interview with broadcaster Times Now aired on Monday, Modi clarified that he does not harbor any opposition towards Islam or Muslims. He expressed his desire for the Muslim community to consider their future growth as they exercise their voting rights.
Tuesday’s voting encompasses 93 seats across 11 states and territories, with Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka accounting for 50 seats. This completes voting for 283 of the 543 elected seats in parliament.
In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured over 70 seats out of the 93 being contested on Tuesday. However, this time around, it faces tougher competition as the main opposition Congress party has gained strength in Karnataka, and a regional ally has split in Maharashtra.
Despite marginal decreases in voter turnout during the first two phases compared to five years ago, the Election Commission is actively encouraging voter participation. Measures include consulting with weather officials and health agencies to address the impact of the heatwave on Tuesday’s voting.
The Election Commission is employing various strategies to boost voter awareness and turnout, such as broadcasting messages during Indian Premier League cricket matches, issuing Facebook alerts, making announcements at train stations and airports, displaying messages on train tickets, milk packets, gas stations, cinemas, and creating an “election playlist” on Spotify to motivate voters.
Additionally, celebrities are engaged in radio and TV commercials to encourage voter participation.
