Narendra Modi is set to assume office for a consecutive third term as Prime Minister – this time at the mercy of his coalition partners. And media outlets across the world have taken note of his waning popularity. 

While prominent news outlets such as the New York Times and the Guardian pointed to an unexpected blow to the BJP, many in Asia and Europe noted a shift in Indian politics. To some, the mandate meant a possible softening of Modi’s hardline positions while for others the mandate indicated that domestic issues would now take precedence.

Here’s what news outlets across the globe said about Modi’s re-election.  

The New York Times

In a report titled “Needing Help to Stay in Power, Modi Loses His Aura of Invincibility” featured on the American daily’s homepage, The Times said that despite Modi’s victory, his re-election has come with significant setbacks and a purported political shift in the country.

“The results on Tuesday pointed to a sharp turnaround for India’s beleaguered main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, which had been seen by many as irrevocably weakened after big losses in the previous two elections.”

The report made note of India’s increased global presence and infrastructure in the Modi era, but also underlined his “authoritarian” tendencies. 

“His increasingly authoritarian turn — with a crackdown on dissent that has created a chilling environment of self-censorship — has pushed India’s vociferous democracy closer to a one-party state, his critics say. And the country’s economic growth, while rapid, has mostly enriched those at the top.”

Dawn 

An editorial in Pakistan-based newspaper Dawn was critical of Tuesday’s results. The piece, titled “A sobering election?”, began by mentioning the BJP’s lofty expectations that were not met. 

It said the opposition alliance, led by the Congress, has made significant gains — in contrast to the previous elections. The article suggested that this shift indicates a potential change in voter priorities, which might prompt the BJP to sober its divisive rhetoric.

“For the BJP, Muslim-baiting and communal rhetoric appear to have backfired, even in its political heartland or ‘Hindi belt’. Instead of praising the glory of a new Hindu rashtra, Indian voters were more concerned about pressing issues, such as jobs and the cost of living.” 

Dawn also expressed hope that this election will lead to more “talks” between India and Pakistan. 

“India cannot skirt around the Kashmir question; both sides should at least start talking, even if they agree to disagree. Let India’s incoming government start afresh with Pakistan.” 

The Guardian

One of the reports in the leading British daily, the Guardian, on the results of the Indian elections was titled “Modi loses parliamentary majority in the Indian election.” It centred around Modi’s dependence on his alliance to come to power and how, in comparison, the INDIA coalition exceeded expectations and diminished the “Modi wave.”

“The INDIA coalition proved more resilient and successful than many analysts had expected, despite grappling with state agencies freezing party funds and jailing opposition leaders in the buildup to the polls. They were particularly boosted by regional parties who far outperformed the BJP, such as the Samajwadi party in Uttar Pradesh, the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party in Tamil Nadu.” 

The article noted that in the aftermath of the election, Modi may face a far more powerful opposition than he ever has. Analysts suggest that the results may tamper with the BJP’s “hardline Hindu nationalist policies” and call for a more consensus-oriented approach to policy making. 

The Washington Examiner

A popular American conservative outlet that often leans in support of former US President Donald Trump, the Washington Examiner’s report about Modi and his victory was titled “India’s Modi wins third term but his party loses seats in Parliament.” 

It mentioned Modi's victory and the decline in the BJP’s parliamentary seats. But to introduce Modi to its American audience, like the subheader suggests — “Who is Narendra Modi” — the Washington Examiner discussed some of Modi’s past achievements and his critics. 

“To many supporters, Modi is a larger-than-life figure who has improved India’s standing in the world, helping it grow to the fifth largest country with ambitions of it becoming the third by 2030. He’s managed to turn adversity into economic advantage over the past decade. He also streamlined the country’s welfare program, courted international investments, and became an example of how someone with a humble beginning can rise to power.” 

It added: “Critics claim Modi is a cultlike leader who has advanced divisive politics, preached anti-Muslim rhetoric, and used shady tactics to silence political opponents and come down hard on independent media.” 

Le Monde

Prominent French news agency Le Monde’s editorial on Modi’s re-election was titled “In India, the narrow victory of Narendra Modi” and focused on the setbacks faced by Modi, including the BJP losing its majority rule. 

It also highlighted the resilience of India’s democracy. “The time of absolute rule by the Hindu nationalist and the BJP is over and this is beneficial for Indian democracy, which has demonstrated its resilience at the polls.”

The report also noted Modi’s achievements, but focused more on the obstruction caused by his Hindu nationalist policies. “In ten years, Narendra Modi has certainly transformed India and made his country an essential international player, but he has also caused a nauseating wind to blow over this continental nation born after independence, in 1947, on the promise of bringing together and treat all citizens equally regardless of race, religion and caste. The Prime Minister has betrayed the wish of the founding fathers, in his obsession with imposing Hindu supremacy at the expense of religious minorities, Muslims and Christians, who have become the scarecrows of power.”

China Daily

The Chinese government-controlled news outlet China Daily published a brief report on Modi’s re-election. The article, titled “Modi set to secure third term in office”, said Modi’s tenure was that of a Hindu nationalist and it deeply divided the nation. “His supporters see him as a self-made, strong leader who has improved India's standing in the world. His critics and opponents say his Hindu-first politics have bred intolerance, while the Indian economy — the world's fifth-largest and one of the fastest-growing — has become more unequal, The Associated Press reported.” 

The report suggested that Modi might shift to addressing more domestic issues and soften his Hindu nationalist rhetoric. 

The Rising Nepal

One of Nepal’s leading newspapers that is also government-operated, the Rising Nepal, reported about the election in a piece titled “Modi expected to get 3rd term but suffers setback”. It noted that the results indicate a backlash against Modi’s polarising politics. 

“The country’s democracy, Modi’s critics say, is faltering under his government, which has increasingly wielded strong-arm tactics to subdue political opponents, squeeze independent media and quash dissent. The government has rejected such accusations and say democracy is flourishing.” 

Newslaundry earlier reported on the Indian news dailies’ front page coverage of the poll results and what they said in their editorials. Read here and here.  

The writer is studying journalism at the University of Missouri.

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