Narendra Modi’s BJP is ahead in enough constituencies that it would win an outright majority in parliament if the count trends continue.
Modi, one of the most powerful and divisive leaders India has produced in decades, appeared easily headed for another five-year term, according to preliminary results.
Early results showed Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party ahead in at least 277 parliamentary seats. With 543 seats in play this year, it would require 272 seats for a majority. At this pace, it would not need its other coalition partners to regain a majority.
The win would be a far more dominating performance than many analysts had thought possible a few months ago, when Modi appeared to be struggling on economic issues.
According to the major exit polls released on Sunday, Modi’s brand of Hindu nationalist politics, coupled with his efforts to project a strong image of India abroad, played well among the country’s 900 million registered voters.
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