From April 11 till May 19 voters are heading to the polls in India. Organizing an election with roughly one-million polling stations and an electorate of 900-million people is no small effort. Providing security presents a herculean task in the face of religious intolerance, rising tensions in Kashmir, and inter-party clashes in northeast India.

Supporters of Narendra Modi, the winning Bharatiya Janata Party­'s candidate for prime minister, run to follow his motorcade in New Delhi, May 17, 2014. (Kuni Takahashi/The New York Times)
Supporters of Narendra Modi, the winning Bharatiya Janata Party­'s candidate for prime minister, run to follow his motorcade in New Delhi, May 17, 2014. (Kuni Takahashi/The New York Times)

Across 29 states and seven union territories voters are heading to the polls in an election that will take over a month to complete. The voting will unfold in seven phases to ensure that enough election authorities and security forces are present to staff the polling stations.

Thus far voting has proceeded orderly in most states, but several violent incidents were reported, particularly in West Bengal and Kashmir. One person was killed and at least five were wounded when violence broke out between government forces and protesters in Kashmir. At a time of heightened tension between India and Pakistan, and as residents in Kashmir are engaging in a historic boycott, armed police and paramilitary units are guarding the polling stations in that state.

Rival activists clashed in Andhra Pradesh state, and a women was hit by a crude bomb that exploded near a polling station in West Bengal. An election official was killed by suspected insurgents in India’s remote northeast, and across several states voting machines were destroyed by angry voters.

Religious Intolerance and Disinformation

Considering the complexity and size of India’s 2019 general election—and some of the country’s long-standing conflicts—it is not surprising to see sporadic election violence. The rise of Hindu nationalism and disinformation campaigns present new challenges to maintaining election security and integrity.

The election comes amid rising intolerance of religious minorities, particularly in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh states, where militant Hindu groups have been targeting Muslims and lower-caste workers with considerable levels of impunity. According to Human Rights Watch, the so-called cow protection groups that conduct lynching attacks against minority communities have ties to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, which advocates for a divisive Hindu-first agenda, setting aside traditional secularism.

Misinformation on social media has triggered some of the killings and may further deepen communal divisions in a country with millions of uneducated internet users. Several platforms have realized this danger and committed to a voluntary code of ethics. WhatsApp, Facebook and other providers have launched awareness campaigns, while using artificial intelligence and fact-checking programs. The creation of fact-checking organizations has helped to combat the rise in disinformation, but the Indian government has not yet introduced any legislation, citing concerns that heavy-handed proposals could infringe on freedom of expression.

The Election Commission of India is experienced in running complex elections, but few independent domestic and international observer missions are present to monitor possible irregularities or violent incidents. A robust observation presence could further legitimize the election process, and possibly deter violent incidents. Given the scope and duration of these elections, any observation effort would still be challenged to realize a large enough presence to help monitor or prevent violent incidents.

Related Research & Analysis

What Are the Limits of U.S.-India Security Burden-Sharing in the Indian Ocean?

What Are the Limits of U.S.-India Security Burden-Sharing in the Indian Ocean?

Monday, June 23, 2025

By: Nilanthi Samaranayake, Adjunct Fellow, East-West Center

When viewing U.S. partnerships in the maritime domain, relations with India, in particular, have thrived — especially over the past decade. Moreover, the partnership enjoys bipartisan support in the United States. Indications after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House in February 2025 are that U.S.-India security relations will continue to be strong in the second Trump administration.

Type: Analysis

How Vulnerable Is India to Chinese Economic Coercion?

How Vulnerable Is India to Chinese Economic Coercion?

Monday, June 16, 2025

By: Sushant Singh

While India has taken a strong security stance against China, its economic posture has been cooperative. But India's reliance on Chinese imports may undermine its role as a counterbalance to China. The U.S. can help India serve as a counterweight to China by supporting Delhi’s de-risking efforts.

Type: Analysis

What Do Changes in China’s Nuclear Program Mean for India?

What Do Changes in China’s Nuclear Program Mean for India?

Thursday, March 13, 2025

At the end of 2024, the annual U.S. Department of Defense report on military and security developments in China reinforced evolving assessments of China’s rapid nuclear expansion with an alarming projection: The U.S. expects China to have 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030 despite having maintained a nuclear arsenal of approximately 300 warheads for decades.

Type: Analysis

Modi’s Washington Visit Signals U.S.-India Ties Will Continue Upswing

Modi’s Washington Visit Signals U.S.-India Ties Will Continue Upswing

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Last week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington marked the fourth meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and a foreign leader since the start of the new administration. Despite differences over tariffs, Modi’s trip signaled that U.S.-Indian relations will continue along the positive trajectory seen in recent years, particularly in defense and technology cooperation. Trump made clear that he sees value in India’s role as a counterweight to China, but that he also views Delhi as an important player and key partner outside the context of strategic rivalry.

Type: Question and Answer

View All Research & Analysis