Indian PM Modi wins landslide victory, vows 'inclusive' India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to build a strong and inclusive nation after his ruling Hindu nationalist party headed for a landslide win in the South Asian country’s marathon general elections.
"Together we grow. Together we prosper. Together we will build a strong and inclusive India. India wins yet again!," Modi tweeted Thursday as the outcome of the world's biggest election became clear.
India is counting about 600 million votes after its seven-phase elections drew to a close on May 19, with early leads indicating the return of Modi for a second term.
Official data from India’s Election Commission showed on Thursday the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was leading in nearly 340 of the 542 seats.
The opposition United Progressive Alliance (UPA) headed by the Indian National Congress (INC) is leading in less than 100.
A party or coalition needs 272 seats in India’s lower house of parliament, or the Lok Sabha, to form a government. The lawmakers from the winning party or coalition elect their leader, who then becomes the country's prime minister.
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