India's Election Begins Amid Religious Freedom Concerns
India, with 960 million eligible voters, has kicked off its new general election. This comes amidst concerns over religious freedom, with Christians facing hostility and Muslims feeling threatened. The contest is seen as a close race between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's coalition and the Indian National Congress.
Modi's coalition, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is campaigning heavily on religious issues, with Hindutva policies at the forefront. These policies have drawn criticism for discriminating against religious minorities. If re-elected, Modi's coalition could further intensify these policies, potentially threatening religious freedom, especially for Muslims, Christians, and others.
The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has recorded over 150 incidents of persecution against Christians in the first quarter of 2024 alone. According to Open Doors, India is the eleventh most hostile country in the world for Christians. Meanwhile, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom recommends considering India as a country of 'particular concern' for religious freedom violations.
Despite economic growth, India still grapples with deep inequality, with a GDP per capita of $2,410 in 2022. Polls suggest an absolute majority victory for Modi's coalition, which won 353 seats in the last election. However, Vijayesh Lal, general secretary of EFI, describes the election as an 'open contest' between Modi's coalition and the Congress.
Voting began on 19 April and will run until 1 June in seven stages. The outcome of the election could significantly impact religious freedom in India. If Modi's coalition wins again, it could further shape the country's religious landscape, potentially intensifying tensions and persecution against religious minorities.
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