India Election 2019: Decoding the Pakistan factor

Published on 27-Mar-2019

Khushboo Razdan

900 million voters, 543 seats, a seven-phase election in 38 days. Welcome to the world's biggest democratic exercise – the Indian general election. From April 11 to May 19, India will vote to choose its next government, with results due on May 23.

The incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who swept to power in 2014 riding on the slogan of "Sabka Saath SabkaVikas" (development for all) is seeking re-election. His critics question him on a number of issues like jobless economic growth, reduced farmers' income, attacks on minorities and his 2016 decision to demonetize 86 percent of India's cash notes.

However, for his supporters, "nationalism" trumps any grievances. And many political observers say that Modi's party, the ruling BJP, is trying to douse anti-incumbency sentiments by playing the Pakistan card.

"Playing Pakistan card is not new; it's been going on from Indira Gandhi's (ex-Indian PM) time. Politicians on both sides of the border try to influence the public opinion for political gains. But, during this election it has become quite blatant. If national security issues are being used for electoral gains, then it's not good," said Shahid Siddqui, a former Member of Parliament and political analyst, while speaking with CGTN Digital.

The latest escalation of tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors seems to have had an impact on Modi's second bid for the country's top job.

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