Is there an alternative to PM Modi in India's election?

With his BJP tipped to win, opposition bloc needs to convince voters of its credibility

- Nirmala Ganapathy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears almost invincible ahead of the upcoming Indian general election, with his competitors still playing catch-up.

Many opinion polls have predicted a win for his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). But whether the popular Prime Minister will be able to meet his ambitious target of 370 parliamentary seats out of the 543 being contested remains to be seen.

The main hurdle is how far bread-and-butter issues will factor in the voting, over themes that the BJP has been playing up, such as Hindu nationalism, welfare schemes for the poor and Mr Modi's personal brand.

The Prime Minister has economic accomplishments too, as he helms the world's fastest-growing economy.

Still, Mr Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, a Modi biographer and journalist, believes bread-and-butter issues will play some role in the polls, to the BJP's detriment.

Inequities between the rich and poor have continued to widen during Mr Modi's time in power.

Inflation has continued to put pressure on household budgets, while employment generation has not kept up amid the fast-paced annual economic growth of more than 7 per cent.

"The non-delivery of livelihood concerns and the inability to resolve such concerns, these are the biggest chinks in his armour," said Mr Mukhopadhyay.

He added: "There are reasons to question the great development story of India. For every toilet built (in village homes), how many are functional?" The opposition Congress Party in its manifesto released on April 5 also focused on livelihood issues, pledging a minimum price for farmers' produce and earmarking federal government jobs for women.

Seeking to convert unemployment into an electoral issue, the Congress Party has promised to bring in an Act to guarantee a one-year apprenticeship for college graduates under the age of 25, with a stipend of 100,000 rupees (S$1,620) a year.