HistoryData
politics2019

2019 Indian general election — elections for the 17th Lok Sabha, India

May 19, 2019

The 2019 Indian general election returned the BJP to power with a landslide majority, recording the highest voter turnout in any Indian general election.

Quick Facts

Year
2019
Category
politics

Key Facts

Eligible voters
~912 million
Voter turnout
Over 67%
BJP seats won
303 seats
NDA total seats
353 seats
BJP vote share
37.76%
INC seats won
52 seats

By the Numbers

912
Eligible voters
67
Voter turnout
303seats
BJP seats won
353seats
NDA total seats

Location

Map of IndiaMap of IndiaIndia

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

The election was called to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha following the expiry of the 16th Lok Sabha's term. The incumbent BJP government under Narendra Modi sought a renewed mandate after its first term, campaigning on nationalism, economic development, and national security following the Pulwama attack and subsequent airstrikes.

Event

Voting took place across seven phases from 11 April to 19 May 2019, with around 912 million eligible voters participating. The BJP won 303 seats and 37.76% of the vote, while the NDA coalition secured 353 seats in total. The Indian National Congress won only 52 seats, and the UPA alliance won 91 seats combined. Results were declared on 23 May 2019.

Consequence

The BJP secured a stronger majority than in 2014, surpassing most exit poll predictions. The Indian National Congress failed to win the 10% of seats required to claim the Leader of the Opposition post. The election recorded the highest voter turnout in Indian general election history, and Narendra Modi was sworn in for a second consecutive term as Prime Minister.

Political Outcome

Outcome

BJP won 303 seats (37.76% vote share); NDA coalition won 353 seats total. INC won 52 seats; UPA won 91 seats. BJP returned to government with an increased majority.

Before

BJP-led NDA government (16th Lok Sabha)

After

BJP-led NDA government re-elected with increased majority (17th Lok Sabha)

Timeline Context

Timeline around 201920192016201720182020202120222019 Africa Cup of Nations — 2019 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations2019 Formula One World Championship — 70th season of Formula One motor racing2019 AFC Asian Cup — 17th edition of the AFC Asian CupJanuary 2019 — month of 20192019 Copa América — Edition's XLVI Copa AmericaJunior Eurovision Song Contest 2019 — 17th annual Junior Eurovision Song ContestOpuntia ficus-indica — species of plant2019 FIFA Women's World Cup — 2019 edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup2019-indian-general-election-elections-for-the-17th-lok-sa-2019