Narendra Modi has secured a historic victory in India’s race for prime minister.
“Celebrations on the streets of India, where voters have overwhelmingly cast their ballots for change. That means the son of a tea seller will be the next prime minister.” (Via CTV)
“He's a hard-liner, a right-wing politician who India hopes will help revive its flagging economy. So his victory is being celebrated here as a sign of a change that many in India have been craving for.” (Via BBC)
Modi’s win was a landslide of historic proportions — his was the first party to take such a clear majority in 30 years.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP, secured at least 279 seats in the nation’s parliament. Stock markets rallied to record highs, and the Rupe rose on currency exchanges. (Via The Guardian)
The Christian Science Monitor quotes analysts who call the elections “the end of the ice age in Indian politics” and “a huge meltdown for Congress —”
The Indian National Congress being the ruling party of the Gandhi family, which has been a major force in Indian politics for the past 65 years.
The Hindustan Times suggests the BJP caught the incumbents napping. “Congress conceded defeat, but carefully couched its comments to prevent blame falling on the Gandhi scion.”
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will resign his position and hand over the reins Saturday.
