What may well be a defining moment for the nation, is here. Ninety-one Lok Sabha constituencies spread across 18 states and two Union territories will take a call on PM Modi, who had led his right-wing party to a resounding win in 2014.
But despite the huge mandate, the verdict on Modi government’s performance in the last five years has not been as emphatic. Though there has been no dearth of flagship programmes and muscular assertion of national identity, the economy has under performed; the farm sector is in acute distress and unemployment is rising.
More important, all kinds of fault lines are visible, the society is badly polarised and the minorities are jittery. In what is being touted in media as the biggest, longest and possibly the most expensive election ever, the first phase will seal the fate of sitting Chief Ministers, several Union Ministers and some senior leaders from different parties. (Detailed report Page 9)
