AFTER the successful conclusion of the fifth phase of polling on May 20, the verdict is as clear as bright sunlight – the victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA, with a huge margin, is more than certain.
The 18th Lok Sabha to be constituted under PM Modi’s strong leadership will inspire awe and admiration, both at home and the world over. The roots of Indian democracy are set to become stronger and the idea of shaking them, let alone attempting to do it, will remain nothing but a flight of fancy.
With votes having been cast for 429 seats at the end of the fifth phase of polling, the NDA under PM Modi’s leadership is comfortably placed, say ground reports. In the remaining two phases also – both involving 57 seats each – a significant lead is expected for the BJP and its alliance partners.
Banswara row ends
After filing his nomination papers for the Varanasi constituency, from where he is seeking a third consecutive Lok Sabha term, PM Modi also brought an end to the uncalled-for row that erupted over his April 21 speech at Banswara in Rajasthan. Maintaining that he believes “people of my country will vote for me”, he said, “the day I do Hindu-Muslim, I will be unworthy of public life” and “it is my resolve” that “I will not do Hindu-Muslim”. PM Modi made these remarks in an interview to TV channel News18 India, and posted clips of the interview on X
The anticipation for June 4 is now pal pable among lovers of democracy, both at home and abroad; all of whom appear joyous. People across the country eagerly await the results while readying sweets and fireworks for the big day.
“The day I do Hindu-Muslim, I will be unworthy of public life…it is my resolve… I will not do Hindu-Muslim”
Betting and stocks
Amid these pre-poll celebrations, there are reports that the betting market is in a severe crisis. A lot of money is at stake. The bets are on poll results and, primarily on whether the BJP will cross the 303-mark, the party’s tally in 2019 parliamentary elections. However, there is no doubt that PM Modi’s party is winning comfortably and betters to the contrary are in for a big loss.
While the mood among the punters is somber, the stock market is also in a state of flux. Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have told the people that fluctuations in the financial markets during election period are natural. People have been advised against panic and assured that the markets would soar after June 4.
