Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, scored a dramatic election victory, yesterday, putting his Hindu nationalist party on course to increase its majority on a mandate of business-friendly policies and a tough stand on national security.
His re-election reinforces a global trend of right-wing populists sweeping to victory, from the United States to Brazil and Italy, often after adopting harsh positions on protectionism, immigration and defense.
Official data from the Election Commission showed Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party ahead in 300 of the 542 seats up for grabs, up from the 282 it won in 2014 and more than the 272 seats needed for a majority in the lower house of parliament.
That would give his party the first back-to-back majority for a single party since 1984.
“Together, we will build a strong and inclusive India,” Modi said on Twitter. “India wins yet again!”
Modi has slashed red tape in the world’s fifth-largest economy, though some overseas firms, including…
