World Alert: Vote counting has begun in India, capping a six-week election in the world's largest democracy. Here's what's at stake.

The poll is widely perceived as a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 68, the most popular politician in the country and a talented speaker who thrills his supporters with his vision of an assertive India. But his detractors say that Modi's brand of Hindu nationalism risks turning India's religious minorities into second-class citizens. Reports of violence by Hindu extremists, including lynchings, increased since he came to power in 2014. Media freedom has decreased under his tenure. Final results are expected to be announced Thursday.

Democracy Dies in Darkness     World Alert May 22, 10:32 PM     Vote counting has begun in India, capping a six-week election in the world's largest democracy. Here's what's at stake. The poll is widely perceived as a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 68, the most popular politician in the country and a talented speaker who thrills his supporters with his vision of an assertive India. But his detractors say that Modi's brand of Hindu nationalism risks turning India's religious minorities into second-class citizens. Reports of violence by Hindu extremists, including lynchings, increased since he came to power in 2014. Media freedom has decreased under his tenure. Final results are expected to be announced Thursday. Read more » Advertisement You received this email because you signed up for news alerts from The Washington Post. Manage my newsletters and alerts | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Help ©2019 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071