Written by Stefan van der Berg (Ministry Leader dia-LOGOS)
From the Himalayas in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, from the hills of the east to the deserts in the west, and in concrete jungles that are some of the world’s biggest cities to the smallest of villages, an estimated 969 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots. The Election Commission will deploy about 15 million polling staff and security personnel to conduct the elections.
As a multiparty democracy, India’s elections will see a range of national and regional parties competing for votes. But two principal coalitions are directly facing off as contenders to lead the nation: the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and a coalition of 26 parties, called the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), led by the main opposition, the Indian National Congress.
Comparative Facts:
Scale of Electorate:
Number of Polling Stations:
Duration of Elections:
Cost of Elections:
Logistical Challenges:
Diversity of Voters:
Use of Technology:
Voter Turnout:
Duration of Political Campaigns:
Impact on Global Economy:
A Christian Perspective:
Since 2014, India has gone from 28th place on the Open Doors World Watch List (a list that highlights the top 50 countries where Christians experience most persecution) to 11th on the most current list. That shows how the Christian minority (2%) in India has increasingly been facing persecution, discrimination, and opposition.
The New Delhi-based United Christian Forum (UCF) rights watchdog recorded 731 attacks against Christians in India last year, warning of “vigilante mobs comprising religious extremists.”
According to the Joshua project the unreached people in India make our 95.1% of the population of 1.352 Billion. If we make this into a comparative figure, the unreached people in India is 2.67% less than the total population of Africa 1.4 Billion.
Anti-conversion laws are currently in place in 12 of India’s 28 states, purporting to prevent forced or coerced conversion from one religion to another (except for conversion to Hinduism). These laws have created an environment where conversion to a minority religion is very dangerous, and sharing the gospel can lead to persecution.
Under Indian law, citizens are free to choose their religion – but Hindu extremist groups misuse the laws. These laws are often used to attack converts from Hinduism, and any pastors who are seen as evangelising to Hindus. Indian Christians are concerned that a win by the ruling party could lead to a national anti-conversion law, rather than simply state-level legislation. Anti-conversion laws already existed in seven states before the BJP came into power in the national government in 2014, but since they formed their government, anti-conversion laws or bills have been imposed in five more states. There have even been several attempts to pass a national anti-conversion law. If the BJP wins the 2024 elections, there is a high chance of an anti-conversion law being introduced.
A local Christian commented; ‘’ Modi has been engaging with the Christian community and the leaders to reassure them this country is for everyone, but if this government comes to power, minorities will be under more pressure’’.
Finally, this election will determine the contours of India’s future as a republic claiming to embrace pluralism and adherence to the founders’ notion that India’s unity is strengthened by its unparalleled diversity.