Prime Minister Narendra Modi concludes weeks of election campaigning with a visit to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, aiming to bolster Hindu-nationalist sentiments as he seeks a third term. The upcoming elections are significant for India’s political landscape and the future of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is wrapping up weeks of election campaigning with a visit to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari from May 30 to June 1, 2024. Modi plans to meditate at this pilgrimage site, which commemorates where Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment. This is the third time Modi has ended an election campaign with a gesture of piety, aligning with his strategy to bolster Hindu-nationalist sentiments as he seeks a third term.
The elections, noted as the world’s largest democratic exercise, span six weeks with the final day of voting on Saturday. Results are expected three days later. Modi has been vocal about his religious convictions, recently stating in an NDTV interview that he believes he has a divine purpose.
Contrasting with Modi, the Indian National Congress Party, led by Rahul Gandhi, is fighting to regain political standing. The Congress party, historically prominent, has faced decline and criticism of weak leadership and disorganization. Rahul Gandhi’s efforts include a significant 2,200km journey promoting religious harmony and social justice. Despite these efforts, analysts predict Congress might struggle against Modi’s BJP.
This election could have a critical impact on India’s political landscape, especially on the future of the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.