India has commenced the process of counting votes from its extensive six-week election, which is being closely watched as a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership over the past decade. The election, involving nearly 970 million eligible voters, is expected to secure Modi a third term in office based on exit polls predicting a victory for his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies.
Early tallies from the Election Commission indicate that the BJP is leading comfortably, with the party ahead in 239 out of 542 parliamentary seats. The main opposition Congress party is currently leading in 96 constituencies. A total of 272 seats are required for a majority in parliament.
