2004 Indian general election

The 2004 Indian general election, held in four phases from April 20 to May 10, marked the 14th Lok Sabha election since independence. It was conducted by the Election Commission of India and involved approximately 670 million eligible voters across the nation. The election was characterized by a notable shift in political dynamics, as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) faced significant challenges from the opposition Indian National Congress (INC), which garnered widespread support amid economic concerns and rural issues. The results, announced on May 13, 2004, saw the INC, under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi, emerge victorious, leading to the formation of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, with Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister. This election was notable for its high voter turnout and the impact of regional parties on the national political landscape.