Early Trends Show Setback for BJP as Opposition Gains Ground
Early trends indicate that the BJP-led alliance is leading in just under 300 seats, while opposition parties are ahead in about 200. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a rare third consecutive term for himself and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, early results show the Congress party and other opposition groups performing better than expected.
A party or alliance needs to secure more than 272 seats in the 543-member parliament to form the government. This election, the world’s largest, was conducted in seven phases over six weeks, with nearly a billion registered voters. More than two dozen opposition parties have united to challenge Mr. Modi and the BJP, hoping to disprove exit polls.