In the ancient city of Varanasi, where the holy Ganges River flows, Hindu priests perform evening prayers, invoking blessings upon the sacred waters. This city holds immense significance to Hindus, as well as to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi in India's north and is seeking a third consecutive term in office. Modi, along with his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aims to reshape India as a Hindu nation, a vision that challenges the country's constitutional principles of secularism and equal rights.

As India engages in its mammoth six-week-long election process, with results expected on June 4, analysts predict that Modi will secure another term in office. If successful, he will become only the second Indian leader, after Jawaharlal Nehru, to hold three consecutive terms.

NPR recently journeyed along the stretch of the Ganges River and encountered fervent Modi supporters who believe in his leadership and transformative agenda. Mahesh Banguru, a tour guide, expressed his desire for Modi to guide the country indefinitely, highlighting the prime minister's efforts to rectify the perceived historical injustices faced by Hindus.

Modi earned admiration from his supporters for consecrating a temple to Lord Ram in Ayodhya, on the site where a medieval mosque was destroyed three decades ago, leading to communal violence. The prime minister's actions were seen as a long-awaited symbol of Hindu pride and restoration. Many praise Modi not only for his cultural initiatives but also for his alleged honesty and the accomplishments under his governance, such as rapid economic growth, infrastructure development, and India's increased global prominence.

However, critics, including Muslim community members and human rights groups, accuse Modi and the BJP of stoking hatred against Muslims, citing incidents such as the mosque demolition and the passing of laws creating concerns about statelessness among Muslims. Nevertheless, rare Muslim supporters of Modi, like campaigner Najma Parveen, credit him with positive achievements and believe that he will address lingering issues such as low wages, youth unemployment, and high food inflation during his potential third term.

Modi's popularity is bolstered by his carefully cultivated image as a benevolent leader, with his face ubiquitous on billboards, newspaper ads, and bags of free food staples distributed to millions of people during the coronavirus pandemic. The BJP's access to substantial funds, garnered from now-outlawed anonymous corporate donations, further enhances its campaign capabilities.

While Modi's supporters believe in his ability to lead India towards glory, there are skeptics, like 80-year-old Phulmati in Ghazipur, who are unimpressed with the government's promises and failings. She criticizes the lack of basic amenities and complains that her previous support for Modi did little to improve her situation. However, Modi's campaign seeks to emphasize the government's initiatives and benefits in an attempt to sway voters.

As the elections draw nearer, it is clear that Modi's influence and hold on his supporters remain strong. Varanasi and the surrounding region will cast their votes on June 1, in the final stage of the elections. The outcome may well solidify Modi's place as a widely admired leader or raise questions about the sustainability of his promises and policies.

In the end, only time will tell if Modi's vision for a Hindu nation and his leadership will continue to resonate with the Indian electorate, particularly in the face of lingering concerns and challenges faced by the nation.