Modi’s party is heading to another majority. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, one of the most powerful and divisive leaders India has produced in decades, appeared easily headed for another five-year term, according to preliminary results. Early results showed Mr. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, or B.J.P., ahead in at least 292 parliamentary districts — far beyond the 272 seats it would need for a majority in the 543-seat Parliament. The win would be a far more dominating performance than many analysts had thought possible a few months ago, when Mr. Modi appeared to be struggling on economic issues. According to the major exit polls released on Sunday, Mr. Modi’s brand of Hindu nationalist politics, coupled with his efforts to project a strong image of India abroad, played well among the country’s 900 million registered voters.

Source: New York Times May 23, 2019 00:19 UTC