Modi finds extensive foreign media coverage
The saffron tsunami in India spilled across all major foreign publications with the New York Times saying that PM- elect Narendra Modi’s victory came in large measure from India’s aspirational urban electorate, who yearn for a better future for themselves and their children.
A report in the The New York Times headlined “For India’s Persecuted Muslim Minority, Caution Follows Hindu Party’s Victory” said Mr Modi ran a campaign that focused on promises of development and good governance and that largely avoided religiously divisive themes. “His allies say there is no reason for Muslims to fear a national government led by him, many Muslims said they believed that.” According to Reuters analysis, the BJP candidates won in 102 constituencies where Muslims make up at least one in five votes, up from just 24 of these seats in 2009. The Washington Post headline, “Modi promises Shining India in Victory Speech”, said the 63- yearold Gujarat chief minister ran a ruthlessly efficient months- long campaign, spreading his message of hope and revitalisation at thousands of rallies around the country. “The Modi wave, as it was called, meant a crushing defeat for the governing Congress scion, Rahul Gandhi, its chief campaigner.” Quoting the White House, the Post said that US President Barack Obama called Mr Modi on Friday and invited him to visit Washington at some point in future.
Time magazine’s online edition said India’s rightwing BJP has won a landslide victory in the world’s largest election and its leader, Mr Modi, was set to become the next PM.
A report in Pakistan’s Dawn said thousands of flag- waving supporters mobbed India’s PM- elect as he made a triumphant entrance in New Delhi after securing a historic victory.