This is the first time a far-right party is in a position to win a legislative election and come to power in France since the Vichy regime.

While both NDA and INDIA contribute to OBC representation, the NDA retains a bias towards upper-caste representation which INDIA – and the Congress in particular – have shed in this election.

Accusations of cronyism and favouritism have been a weak spot for PM Narendra Modi, amplified by the recent Adani affair. The reaction to these accusations has not been to address them head-on, or to respond to legitimate questions, including in Parliament, but to attack those who make these critiques.

In country after country, moderate ideas have been pushed aside by emotionally charged debates.

Instead of emphasising on liberal values and protection of minorities, European leaders have tended to speak in terms of war and aggression