Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ As India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi eyes a historic third term, the country’s general election has revealed significant opposition, resonating with the Indian diaspora in British Columbia. Despite pre-election expectations of a landslide, Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears unlikely to secure a majority independently, necessitating alliances with smaller parties to form a government.
At 73, Modi stands on the brink of becoming only the second Indian leader after Jawaharlal Nehru to secure three terms in office. However, this election marks his first need to depend on coalition partners. Sanjana Chawla, a Modi supporter from Chemainus, B.C., shared her family’s disappointment but expressed personal satisfaction with the outcome, celebrating the increased representation of diverse voices in parliament. “It’s a loss worth celebrating,” said Chawla, 45.
Sumeet Bajaj, who moved to Surrey, B.C., from India in 2019, described the electoral process in the world’s most populous democracy as “dynamic” and emphasized the importance of a strong opposition for a healthy democracy. “Democracy has lived again,” he remarked, noting the impressive voter turnout. Nearly 970 million people, over 10 percent of the global population, were eligible to vote, with an average turnout of 66 percent over the six-week voting period that began on April 19.
Jasleen Kaur, a 39-year-old documentary writer and producer in Surrey, B.C., described the Indian diaspora in B.C. as “mostly anti-Modi” but considers herself neutral. She expressed pride in the Indian electorate for humbling Modi and underscored the election’s significance for both Indians and the diaspora closely following the proceedings. “The voters have spoken that we need a strong opposition,” Kaur told CBC’s The Early Edition.
Under Modi’s decade-long leadership, Hindu nationalism has become the prevailing political ideology in India, raising concerns about religious tensions and the erosion of secular principles enshrined in the constitution. Political analyst Arati Jerath highlighted Modi’s appeal as a champion of Hindu nationalist sentiment, appealing to voters by positioning his party as the guardian of Hindu interests.
Chawla criticized the historical emphasis on religion in Indian politics, while Kaur, who grew up in Patiala, Punjab, emphasized the electorate’s broader focus on social issues affecting all Indians. Reflecting on her recent visit to India, Kaur noted Modi’s pervasive presence in local media, which often portrayed him as a “global peacemaker.” She attributed the election results partly to the public’s fatigue from the constant glorification of Modi. “Oh, the theatrics of it,” she commented, observing the overzealous media portrayal of Modi.
The outcome of the election and the need for a coalition government signal a pivotal moment for Indian politics, reflecting the electorate’s desire for diverse representation and a robust opposition, resonating with Indians both at home and abroad.
