India's polling stations opened on Friday as prime minister Narendra Modi seeks a third term, riding on his track record of growth, welfare policies, and Hindu nationalism.
Today marks the biggest phase of the election, with 166 million voters across 102 constituencies in 21 states and territories heading to the polls. Regions voting include Tamil Nadu in the south, Arunachal Pradesh along the China border, and Uttar Pradesh in the north.
The election, featuring Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against a coalition of opposition parties, will unfold in seven phases over seven weeks. The opposition is campaigning on increased welfare and the defence of democratic institutions, accusing Modi of authoritarian tendencies.
Nearly one billion voters are eligible to participate, making this the world's largest electoral exercise. Voting ends on June 1, with results announced on June 4.
As the elections began, voters lined up early, with polls opening at 7 am IST (2.30 am UK time) amid tight security. Assistance was provided for elderly voters to reach polling stations.
"Modi will come back to power, because apart from the religious push, his other work, including on safety and security is good," said Abdul Sattar, a 32-year-old Muslim voter from Kairana in Uttar Pradesh.
Mohammed Shabbir, a 60-year-old driver, expressed that unemployment is his main concern. "Hindu nationalism is not an issue in this election, because even the Hindus are affected by a lack of jobs," he noted.
Polls predict that the BJP will retain a majority, despite widespread concerns about unemployment, inflation, and rural distress. Observers are keen to see if the BJP can exceed its 2019 performance.
"In the next five years, we will take our nation into the top three economies of the world, launch a final and decisive assault against poverty, open up newer avenues of growth... unveil the next generation of reforms, and take a number of pro-people decisions and actions," Modi wrote in the BJP’s election manifesto, which is themed "Modi Ki Guarantee."
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Modi urged a large voter turnout, especially among the youth and first-time voters. "After all, every vote counts and every voice matters," he posted.
A victory would make Modi the second Indian leader after Jawaharlal Nehru to win three consecutive terms.
Modi has promoted his previous terms as just the beginning, with his main plans set for his third term. Campaign materials highlight achievements like India's lunar mission and efforts to combat corruption.
Critics accuse Modi's administration and the BJP of favouring hardline Hindu policies at the expense of India's Muslim minority, charges both strongly deny. The opposition coalition argues this election is a critical ideological battle to prevent the BJP from undermining India’s democratic framework.
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the main opposition Congress party, has criticised the BJP for distracting from key issues like jobs and inflation. "Sometimes the PM goes underwater in the ocean and sometimes he is on a seaplane but does not talk about issues," Gandhi said.
(Reuters)
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)