Millions of Indians are voting for their next leader. But many think they already know who the winner will be: Narendra ModiThe prime minister of India. He inspires passionate support from many in his country, but his critics regard him as populist, anti-Muslim and authoritarian., India's current prime minister.

Modi is a HinduA follower of Hinduism, the third-largest religion in the world. Roughly 95% of Hindus live in India. nationalistA person who believes strongly that their country is better than all others. . He has already been prime minister for 10 years.

Modi is one of the most successful politicians in Indian history. He has an 80% approval ratingA simple test of popularity that calculates the difference in the percentage of people who approve and disapprove of a politician..

His supporters say he has won the Indian people over with his ideas and his charm. During his time as leader, India has overtaken the UK as the world's fifth-largest economyThe way that money flows through a country, which affects wages and the cost of living..

He is the son of poor grocers and is known for his serious Hindu faith. Many, especially young Hindu men, feel that his life is similar to their own.

But critics say he is not all that he seems. They argue that India's economy is not as strong as it seems.

Really, they say, the reason behind support for Modi is his toleranceThe ability to accept the existence of ideas, actions or even people that you disagree with or dislike. of violent Hindu nationalism. Up and down the country, religious mobs have attacked Muslims and Modi has not spoken out against it.

He has made sure that his supporters have top jobs in important government institutions. And he can always call upon the Rashtriya Swayamesvak Sangh, a military group which has links to his party, the BJP. That means, his critics say, that Modi always gets his way.

Could India lose its democracyA system of government based on the idea of rule by the people.?

Yes! Modi has a very strong hold on power in India. He is likely to win the election. And few have the power to stop him from doing anything he wants to.

No! Modi has never said he wants to get rid of elections or India's key political rules. India's democracy will survive.

Narendra Modi - The prime minister of India. He inspires passionate support from many in his country, but his critics regard him as populist, anti-Muslim and authoritarian.

Hindu - A follower of Hinduism, the third-largest religion in the world. Roughly 95% of Hindus live in India.

Nationalist - A person who believes strongly that their country is better than all others.

Approval rating - A simple test of popularity that calculates the difference in the percentage of people who approve and disapprove of a politician.

Economy - The way that money flows through a country, which affects wages and the cost of living.

Tolerance - The ability to accept the existence of ideas, actions or even people that you disagree with or dislike.

Democracy - A system of government based on the idea of rule by the people.