Modi casts his vote in Amit Shah’s constituency as Indian elections reach half-way point

AHMEDABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday voted for the third phase of India’s massive general elections and called for a huge turnout, even as he warned of scorching heat.

Voting in the world’s most populous country began on April 19 in a seven-phase election, with nearly a billion people eligible to vote, and ballots are scheduled to be counted on June 4.

Modi is seeking a rare, consecutive third term, which pits his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against a coalition of more than two dozen opposition parties. Polls show he will win a comfortable majority.

“I urge all citizens to vote in large numbers and celebrate the festival of democracy… To all those working in the summer, I urge you to take care of your health and ensure adequate wages,” he said soon after voting at his home. “I request you to drink water.” Gujarat state.

Modi cast his vote in the Gandhinagar constituency where his number two, Home Minister Amit Shah, is the BJP candidate.

Dressed in saffron and white, Modi was surrounded by hundreds of supporters and party members, signing autographs and talking to children on his way to the polling booth.

The Shah welcomed him and the people played drums and bells.

Modi’s campaign began by showcasing his economic record, welfare measures, national pride and personal popularity.

But it changed its stance after the first phase of voting on April 19 and focused more on boosting the BJP’s Hindu base by attacking rivals as pro-Muslim, while surveys show jobs and inflation are voters’ main priorities. There are concerns.

In an interview with broadcaster Times Now aired on Monday, Modi said he was not opposed to Islam or Muslims and wanted the community to think about their future development while voting.

Tuesday’s voting involves 93 seats in 11 states and territories, including Gujarat and Maharashtra in the west and 50 in Karnataka in the south. With this, voting will be completed for 283 out of 543 elected seats of Parliament.

In the 2019 elections, the BJP won more than 70 of the 93 seats on Tuesday, but this time it faces tough competition as the main opposition Congress party has gained strength in Karnataka and a regional partner in Maharashtra. Has been divided.

The first two phases saw turnout of 66.14% and 66.71% respectively, slightly lower than the same phase five years ago, with analysts blaming the summer heat and the lack of a single strong issue to motivate voters.

The Election Commission has intensified a campaign to encourage people to vote while consulting with weather officials and health and disaster management agencies to deal with the impact of the heat wave on Tuesday’s voting.

“Weather conditions are expected to remain within normal limits,” it said in a statement on the eve of voting, calling on voters to “turn up to polling stations in greater numbers and vote responsibly and proudly.”

It focuses on voter awareness to increase participation through messages and songs during Indian Premier League cricket matches, Facebook alerts, announcements at train stations and flights, messages on train tickets, milk pouches at gas stations and films and songs in cinema theatres. Is also insisting. , among others.

Music app Spotify has created an “election playlist” to inspire voters and celebrities are being used to appeal through radio and TV ads.