Opposition leader heads for landslide election victory
OPPOSITION LEADER Narendra Modi will be India’s next prime minister, winning the most decisive victory the country has seen in more than a quarter of a century.
As his overwhelming win became clear, Mr Modi appeared before a crowd of cheering supporters and tried to strike a conciliatory note after a lengthy and punishing race.
“I have always said that to govern the nation it is our responsibility to take everyone with us,” said Mr Modi, whose slick campaign promised a revival of economic growth. “I want your blessings so that we can run a government that carries everyone with it.”
Although Mr Modi’s win was resounding, critics worry that his rise could worsen sectarian tensions between India’s majority Hindus and its 138 million Muslims.
A Hindu nationalist, Mr Modi remains a divisive figure in the country of 1.2 billion people, in large part because he, as chief minister of Gujarat state, was in command in 2002 when communal rioting there killed more than 1,000 people – most of them Muslims.
Mr Modi was accused of doing little to stop the rampage, although he denies any wrongdoing and has never been charged with a crime.
The Congress party tried to highlight the 2002 riots during the campaign, but Mr Modi’s momentum – and focus on the ailing economy – carried him to victory.
The outcome was a crushing defeat for Congress, which is deeply entwined with the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty.