The biggest election in human history is underway. From this Friday, 968 million Indians are called to the polls to choose the 543 deputies of the lower house of Parliament, the Lok Sabha. The constituencies will vote in turn until June 1; 22% of voters are under 30 years old. The results of this mega one-round ballot will be announced on June 4.
For public opinion and observers, the outcome is in little doubt. The Hindu fundamentalist party (BJP) of outgoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi will win a majority. An Ipsos poll published on March 6 credited the head of government with 75% favorable opinions. His popularity rating has jumped 8 points in one year, as he completes his second five-year term. Stainless, indestructible... There are not enough adjectives to describe the Hindu nationalist leader's anchoring in the political landscape.
Food aid for 800 million Indians
However, there are gray areas in Narendra Modi's record. His erratic management of the Covid pandemic contributed…