As India wraps up an 80-day marathon polling exercise, all eyes turn to Tuesday's vote counting for the Lok Sabha election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is aiming for a record-equalling third consecutive term, while the INDIA opposition bloc hopes to spring a surprise.
Despite the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) being favoured to win, the scale of their victory and potential new territories are at stake. For the opposition, their diminishing national presence makes these elections even more critical.
Exit polls unanimously predict the NDA nearing Modi's ambitious goal of "400 paar" seats, while the INDIA bloc struggles to cross the 180 mark, a third of the total seats.
Electoral results have historically been grudgingly accepted by all parties, but this election has seen increased scrutiny from the opposition regarding the polling process and the Election Commission (EC).
The campaign animosity between the two sides has continued post-polls, with opposition leaders questioning the integrity of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and dismissing exit polls as "Modi media polls." The INDIA bloc has accused Modi of using these polls to signal the bureaucracy and has urged the EC to adhere to counting guidelines.
In response, the BJP has accused its rivals of undermining India's electoral process and called on the EC to prevent any potential unrest during vote counting.
Modi's campaign framed the opposition as engaging in "appeasement politics," accusing the Congress and its allies of reallocating OBC reservations to Muslims and aiming to redistribute wealth. National and cultural pride, government welfare schemes, and political stability were also prominent themes in BJP speeches, though the opposition criticised the campaign as divisive and communal.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar challenged the opposition to provide evidence of any influence over the polling process, dismissing their attacks.
The results will reveal whether the Congress, with its shrinking national presence since 2014, can effectively challenge the BJP. Despite claiming their alliance will secure 295 seats, the Congress has struggled to maintain opposition status in two consecutive Lok Sabha polls.
INDIA bloc leaders believe their focus on welfare and constitutional threats has resonated with voters and expect strong support.
A BJP victory would see Modi equal Jawaharlal Nehru's record of three consecutive wins. The fate of the Left and regional parties like the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and YSR Congress also hangs in the balance. Modi has aggressively campaigned to strengthen the BJP's presence in West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, with exit polls suggesting significant gains.
In Odisha, the BJP and BJD are locked in a fierce battle, while assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh will also determine the state's leadership. The BJP's performance in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where it currently has no seats, will be closely watched.
The Left faces a critical test in Kerala, its last stronghold, as it continues to lose ground nationally.
Confident of victory, Modi has already outlined his vision for India's future, posted on social media about public support for the NDA, and met with top officials to discuss the new government's first 100 days.
The election results will also determine the future of regional leaders like Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, who have allied with the BJP, and the fortunes of Union ministers and former chief ministers contesting the polls. Among the key figures are Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Modi himself, seeking a third term from Varanasi. The margins of their victories will be closely scrutinized.
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