The Prime Minister of India, the Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi, proclaimed this Tuesday (06/04/2024) his victory in the general elections, while the vote count is taking place, in which his party and those of its allies have a narrow majority to secure a third consecutive term.
“On this day, it is confirmed that the NDA (the ruling National Democratic Alliance bloc) will take over the Government for the third time. We are grateful to the people,” Modi said during a rally at the headquarters of his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). , in New Delhi.
The Election Commission of India indicated that the BJP wins or leads in 240 seats of the 543 that make up the Lower House of Parliament or Lok Sabha, while the coalition of which the Hindu nationalist party is part is in the lead in 285 seats . To form a majority, 272 seats are necessary.
These figures are much lower than those expected by Modi and the rest of the BJP leaders, who set the goal of reaching 400 seats. In contrast, a coalition of more than twenty opposition parties made significant gains and at this point in the count wins or leads 202 seats.
This left a bittersweet taste at the BJP headquarters on Tuesday, where music and firecrackers blared as several party supporters admitted that, despite the victory, it was a totally unexpected result.
“I am happy with the result but I expected more seats”a young supporter of Modi’s party, DIvyansh Chanana, told EFE, admitting that the popularity of the rest of the opposition parties “was increasing.”
Another young man, Mayank Juyal, assured EFE from the party headquarters, moments before Modi’s arrival, that this setback was due to the relaxation of many BJP voters who did not come to vote because they took victory for granted.
This feeling contrasted with the celebration that took place in the offices of the opposition Congress Party (INC), especially when the recount began to show the good results of their party and the rest of the coalition.
One of the biggest setbacks for the ruling coalition was the one suffered in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, a bastion of Hindu nationalism that represents the BJP’s largest vote base and where the opposition not only put up a fight, but is currently leading the count. with 43 of the 80 seats up for grabs.
Both coalitions have called this Wednesday for meetings between their leaders to decide the strategy to follow in the coming weeks.
