Modi Ramps Up Polarizing Rhetoric as Indian Election Reaches Midpoint

Amid declining voter turnout and rising temperatures, Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensifies divisive campaign tactics.

Modi shifts campaign focus, targeting the Muslim minority with controversial statements as the BJP seeks a third term.
Voter turnout dips amid a severe heatwave affecting large parts of India, with a 3% drop reported in early phases.
Election Commission faces criticism for its lenient approach towards Modi's increasingly communal rhetoric.
Modi's public statements suggest a strategic pivot to consolidate Hindu votes by disparaging the Congress Party's policies.
Experts express concerns over the potential long-term impact of divisive politics on India's secular fabric.