A survey suggests that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party-led coalition NDA may secure around three-fourths of the parliamentary seats in the upcoming elections, with Modi’s popularity soaring due to robust economic growth.
Elections for a five-year term will be held in seven phases between April 19 and June 1, with results announced on June 4.
Modi’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition is projected to potentially win 399 out of 543 seats, with his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alone expected to secure 342 seats, surpassing the majority mark of 272. This follows the BJP’s previous victory of 303 seats five years ago.
However, the main opposition Congress party faces a potential record low, with projections indicating a drop to 38 seats from 52 in 2019 and a previous low of 44 in 2014.
The survey, covering nearly 180,000 people, reveals insights into the political landscape since the election dates were announced last month.
The BJP is anticipated to perform strongly in Uttar Pradesh, winning 76 out of 80 seats, while also making gains in Karnataka, the sole southern state it currently governs locally.
Meanwhile, the opposition struggles with internal disunity and corruption allegations, while Modi benefits from a booming economy, growing by approximately 8% in the last fiscal year. However, rural areas still face challenges, prompting government initiatives like free rations for over 815 million Indians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multiple polls reinforce the trend of NDA’s dominance in the 2024 LS elections.
