Lok Sabha Election Results: Early Trends Favor NDA but INDIA Stands Strong
Early Counting Update As vote counting for the Lok Sabha elections progresses, determining whether PM Narendra Modi will secure another term or if the resurgent Opposition will prevail, the NDA has surpassed the majority mark within the first three hours. However, the INDIA coalition is putting up a strong fight.
India election result: Top 10 key points
- Uttar Pradesh Upset: Contrary to most exit polls predicting a BJP advantage, the INDIA bloc, led by the Samajwadi Party, holds a narrow lead over the NDA in a tight contest.
- Battleground States: The BJP is trailing in West Bengal and Maharashtra, although these are early trends with many rounds of counting yet to go.
- Overall Voting: Voting occurred across 543 Lok Sabha seats over seven phases, concluding on Saturday. The majority mark to form the government is 272 seats.
- State Elections: Votes are also being counted for assembly elections in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. In Andhra Pradesh, the TDP, led by Chandrababu Naidu, is leading. In Odisha, the BJP has taken a lead over the ruling BJD.
- Strategic Gains: The BJP aims to make significant gains in Bengal, Odisha, and the southern states to compensate for potential losses in the north, where it has traditionally been dominant. Key states to watch include Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka, and Telangana.
- Election Campaign: This season has been marked by intense campaigning and unpredictable voter sentiment. While some exit polls have predicted a sweeping victory for the BJP-led NDA, others vary in their projections, with all suggesting an NDA win. The Opposition has dismissed these predictions.
- BJP’s Campaign Strategy: The BJP launched an extensive campaign early on, focusing on development, economic growth, and a vision for India’s future. Key promises fulfilled include the abrogation of Article 370 and the construction of the Ayodhya Ram temple.
- Opposition’s Strategy: Unlike the fragmented opposition of 2019, the current Opposition mounted a robust campaign against the ruling coalition. Issues like constitutional changes and the abolition of reservations resonated with voters.
- Changing Alliances: The political landscape has shifted since 2019, particularly in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena, once an NDA ally, left the alliance and joined the Opposition, later splitting. Sharad Pawar’s NCP also split, with factions joining the NDA.
- Allegations of Misuse of Agencies: The election has been marred by accusations of the Central investigative agencies targeting Opposition leaders. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, arrested in the liquor policy case, returned to jail yesterday after campaigning on interim bail.
As the counting continues, the final outcome remains uncertain, with both sides showing significant strengths in various regions.