This article has been written by Akshay Iyer, a 3rd year student pursuing BA. LLB(Hons) from SRM University.
ABSTRACT:
The 2024 Indian General Elections were important; first time since Independence, the election presented massive competition and political shifting forces. Debated leading factors during elections included economic growth, inflationary problems, welfare policies, and the spread of Hindutva. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was seeking the third successive term and has put strong emphasis on growth in economy and national security. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance opposition, the theme of which mainly was the issue of social justice and the rising economic gap, coupled with protecting the democratic ethos. Only at the level of the electoral results could it be confirmed that, despite securing their third term, the Bharatiya Janata Party could no longer ensure a majority mandate, which required entering into the game of coalition politics. In this election lay the tough dynamics of the Indian democracy and its competing priorities for Indian voters.
INTRODUCTION:
The general elections in India took place over several weeks, from April 19 to June 1, 2024. This election, which unfolded in seven phases, was a significant event where citizens cast their votes to elect all 543 members of the Lok Sabha, the country’s lower house of Parliament. After the ballots were cast, the results were eagerly awaited and finally announced on June 5, 2024, marking a crucial moment in India’s democratic process.
Elections have been the most eagerly awaited and consequential political events in recent country history. Beyond 900 million eligible voters, polls boast a turnout that shows the power of Indian democracy. The polls have set the course of India’s politics for five years to come and captured the nation’s attention with economic challenges, powerful social movements, and regional security concerns. The election was marked by rabid campaign affairs with parties emphasizing a balance of old and new issues-from economic growth and unemployment to digital governance and national security.
“The 2024 election Shaped up to be a historic moment for democracy. It’s exciting to think about how this was the largest democratic exercise ever. India, a country known for its vibrant political landscape, is also home to the most expensive elections in the world—more expensive than even those in the United States. Back in 2019, political parties and candidates poured an astounding $8.7 billion into their campaigns, all in an effort to connect with and win over 900 million eligible voters. It’s a remarkable testament to the sheer scale and importance of engaging citizens in the electoral process.”[1]
KEY PLAYERS INVOLVED IN THE ELECTION:
The 2024 elections were the battles of the big teams of established power and regional players. So, if Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wanted to win its third consecutive term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it had to contend with Indian National Congress (INC), with Rahul Gandhi leading the charge, besides a host of regional players. Congress focused on social issues and economic challenges while looking to rejuvenate its political fortune by projecting itself as a strong contender in these elections. There were other major role players in the fray mainly being regional leaders. These leaders include Mamata Banerjee of Trinamool Congress, Arvind Kejriwal of Aam Aadmi Party, and Nitish Kumar of Janata Dal (United). Regional political leaders played highly in influencing the dynamics of coal politics in a country and how regions functioned. Mainstay alliances of National Democratic Alliance and United Progressive Alliance helped form the mainstay for the consolidation of influence politically in different states.
Overview of the Major Political Parties:
“The BJP and the INC continue to be the two major national parties in India. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the BJP has established a strong presence and influence in the political landscape today.”[2] Under Prime Minister Modi, BJP dominates the scene now. Traditionally, BJP focuses on a blend of nationalist, economic development, and Hindutva ideology. Congress is showcased as secular alternative that focuses on social welfare, minority rights, and inclusive growth. Other significant parties like AAP, Left Front, and other regional parties will look for opportunities to puncture the BJP’s narrative and offer alternative policy directions as well.
Alliances and Coalitions:
Alliances will play a crucial role in 2024 polls. Even though the BJP has formed a more dominant NDA coalition over the last couple of years, some desertions and disputes with some allies will also weaken that coalition. Congress-led UPA is desperately trying to regain its lost influence by forging alliances with regional big guns and smaller parties. Meanwhile, debates about a “Third Front” comprising regional parties such as TMC, SP, TRS, and others reflect efforts towards an alternative beyond BJP and Congress, in the split scenario of an election.
New Forces or New Political Players:
Newer, smaller parties like the Aam Aadmi Party-the AAP-which recently spread outside Delhi also seek a stronger national position. Social-organization movements and independent contenders are coming up for selected issues like environmental, farmers, and anti-graft campaigns. These players may be a reason why the classical voting patterns at the hustings change a lot in the new emerging scenario of young and younger voters of urban areas and cities.
OVERVIEW OF THE GENERAL ELECTIONS IN INDIA:
“Phase 1 occurred on April 19, 2024, with an election turnout at 66.14%.”[3] The second phase occurred on April 26, 2024, and increased to 66.71% in different sectors. Phase 3 occurred on May 7, 2024, which drew a turnout of 65.68%. The highest participation was in Phase 4 on May 13, 2024, with an election turnout of 69.16%.” In Phase 5, which took place on May 20, 2024, we saw a completion rate of 62.2%. Moving on to Phase 6, on May 25, 2024, that figure increased slightly to 63.37%. Finally, during the last phase on June 1, 2024, Phase 7 recorded a completion rate of 61.63%.[4]
These elections were successful testaments to the passion of voters, political parties, candidates, election personnel, and security forces. Through all these multiple phases of democracy, combined and finding their own effort to highlight the democratic process, ensuring it was strengthened. The voting processes posed by the electorate have proven the Indian democracy to be resilient and vibrant.
Subsequently, the counting of votes began June 4, 2024. Voting started at 8 AM marking a decisive moment to determine who would lead the country. Constituency-wise results can be seen at the ECI.
The 2024 General Elections shall, therefore, prove to be a display of the strong features of democratic processes and the role of citizenship in a mature democracy. It shall once again prove how well India conducts such an all-inclusive exercise of elections in its robust democratic institutions and the resilient spirit of the people.
In January 2024, a Mood of the Nation survey conducted by India Today suggested that the BJP is likely to secure around 304 out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming elections. Additionally, their coalition partners in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are expected to win about 31 seats, bringing the total projection to around 335. As a result, many key BJP leaders are embracing the idea of a significant victory. The party is heading into the elections with the bold slogan “Abki Baar 400 Paar,” which translates to “this time, more than 400 seats,” reflecting their optimism about achieving a supermajority.
This election marks a notable moment for the BJP, as for the first time since Prime Minister Modi rose to power in 2014, the party now relies on its NDA allies to bolster its claim to governance. Finally, the NDA’s 293 seat total gives the BJP far more than it needs to govern comfortably. The opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) far outdid the pundits’ projections, taking 234 seats. This alliance of more than three dozen parties was profoundly galvanized by a swing of fortune for the Indian National Congress, or Congress Party; the once-preeminent national party took 99 seats, almost double its 2019 tally and the first indications in a decade that its national fortunes are reviving.”[5]
KEY ISSUES INVOLVED IN THE 2024 ELECTION:
The 2024 Indian General Elections were characterized by several issues that were important for public discourse and voting decisions. They were central to the manifestos of parties, the tactics of campaigns, and popular debates that defined the eventual outcome of the elections. Among the key issues were:
Inflation and Cost of Living:
The voters’ concerns were rising inflation, especially in commodities like food, fuel, and housing. “A rising cost of living also reflected the household budgets of the middle class and low-income groups.”[6] It became a political issue for parties that opposed the government on the way it handled the economy. The opposition parties campaigned to reduce inflation and the cost of living.
Unemployment and Job Creation:
With a large young population of India, unemployment problem at such a high rate remained a major challenge. That is, the economy needs to be able to generate jobs for millions newly entering the labor force. Now, parties promised various measures for employment promotion including public spending in infrastructure and encouraging startups and incentives to industries expanding.
Economic growth and development policies:
The economic policies undertaken by the central government were discussed, debating issues related to the self-reliant India program and production-linked incentives for certain industries. The ruling party presented measures for reviving economic growth after the pandemic, in contrast to an opposition that urged a more inclusive growth model with increased spending on social sectors like health and education.
Caste Dynamics and Reservation Policies:
Caste politics still formed an integral part of the elections. The issues about reservations based on caste in education and employment were always contentious. Any demand to increase or alter the reservation policies such as EWS reservations by the upper castes or enhance quotas for some of the communities impacted the preferences of voters, especially the voter preference in states which experienced intense caste-based politics.
Gender Equality and Women’s Safety:
Issues related to women such as safety, jobs, and political representation were on the forefront of the election. Parties sought measures toward making women stronger by increasing financial activities in women entrepreneurship, ensuring a greater number of seats for women in legislative bodies, and stronger laws against gender-based violence.
Communalism and Religious Polarization:
Religious identity and community tensions also featured significantly. Polarization was said to be increasing and the targeted minorities were being viewed as weak. Secularism and religious unity were more emphasized in certain parties than others. Other parties were moving toward accommodative policies toward certain groups for consolidation of a vote bank or as a counter to the political muscle thrown about by competing political formations.
Farmer Unhappiness and Agricultural Reforms:
The agrarian crisis, which was marked by farmer distress, low crop prices, and high input costs, was a major election issue. The after-effect of the 2020-21 farmers’ protests against three contentious farm laws (which were later repealed) still resonated with the rural electorate. Parties promised better MSP, increased subsidies, loan waivers, and comprehensive agricultural reforms to address rural concerns.
Rural Development Initiatives:
Except agriculture, issues of other schemes related to the development of rural and rural-specific initiatives on infrastructure, health, education, and means of livelihood received significant discussion. Programs, such as MGNREGA came to discussion, with some parties proposing to increase these for the betterment of the rural population.
Anti-Corruption Measures and Government Accountability:
Allegations of corruption were the central theme of election discourse against politicians, government officials, and corporate entities. The opposition party focused on the government through different scandals, while the ruling party highlighted its efforts to curb corruption by adopting digital governance and transparent systems.
Bureaucratic Reforms and Governance Efficiency:
Debates ranged from calls to strengthen governance efficiency and to make bureaucratic processes more transparent and accountable. Campaigns touched on issues like red tape, public service delays, and reforms that will make it easier to do business.
Border Tensions and Geopolitical Challenges:
National security was the major concern as there were border disputes with China and tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, etc. The ruling party claimed that its stand on national security and defense modernization but opposed parties pointed fingers at how these issues are handled and took a higher diplomatic responsibility to achieve peace.
Counter-Terrorism and Internal Security:
The government’s policy on internal security and countering terrorism, which covers the northeast states and Maoist-hit “Red Corridor,” was also discussed. While the ruling party touted its actions against terrorism, the opposition parties expressed the need to balance the security approach with dialogues at the community levels.
Pollution Control and Sustainable Development:
Environmental issues, air and water pollution, were dominating issues in serious cases of pollution states like Delhi and Punjab. Political parties discussed multiple strategies against pollution: Industrial pressure would need more stringent controls; investment in clean energy; Incentives on electric vehicle would have to be provided.
With increased awareness of the impacts of climate change, parties put forward plans for sustainable development such as renewable energy projects, afforestation drives, and climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities, especially farmers.
Application of Technology in Governance:
The agenda of the ruling party had included digital push in public services from online payments to e-governance initiatives. Opposition parties criticized the digital divide, especially in rural and underprivileged communities, and proposed measures to ensure broader digital inclusion.
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Concerns:
The increased digitization also raised concerns related to data privacy and cybersecurity. Matters related to government surveillance, data protection laws, and safeguarding citizens’ digital rights were discussed.
POLITICAL LANDSCAPE IN THE 2024 ELECTIONS:
The 2024 Indian General Elections had a profound effect on the country’s political scenario, characterized by a battle between national powerhouses, regional behemoths, and constantly changing alliances. Here’s a brief summary:
Major Parties and Their Performance
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):
The BJP, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm, was seriously eyeing a third successive term on issues of stability and economic development across the country and national security. During the campaign, these successes in infrastructure development, welfare programs, and initiatives like “Atmanirbhar Bharat” or “self-reliant India” were underlined. Modi, through personal appeal and grassroots organization, also did a lot for the BJP. But inflation and unemployment and further apprehensions over the centralization of power all turned into arrows against the party that made certain regions more competitive than others.
Indian National Congress (INC):
The party, led by Rahul Gandhi, attempted to recover from the losses in 2014 and 2019 as the liberal alternative of the party, with concerns for social justice and economic inequality at the center. The “Bharat Jodo Yatra” (Unite India march) was the big bet on reconnecting the grass-roots voters. Opposition votes were concentrated by alliances in the states like Maharashtra (with NCP), Tamil Nadu (with DMK). The organization problem, in turn had remaining it an internal factionalism.
Regional Parties
Elections at the regional or state level are often seen as determining the outcome regardless of the happenings of national level elections when the main electoral issues were local ones. Of them, a few important are:
Trinamool Congress (TMC) West Bengal State pride and Federalism. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Tamil Nadu on basis of social justice, to the autonomy of the states.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Telangana based on the concept of federalism for the states, farmers rights.
SP and RJD exploited caste-based politics and themes of social justice to the detriment of BJP, in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. AAP expanded its space outside the traditional stronghold based on appeals for anti-corruption, health, and education, with Arvind Kejriwal as leader.
Coalition Politics and Alliances
National Democratic Alliance (NDA):
The BJP-led NDA was the largest coalition but was under pressure, with some of its long-term allies such as the Shiv Sena and Akali Dal walking out. The BJP wanted to hold on to smaller allies, especially in the northeast, to ensure its majority.
United Progressive Alliance (UPA):
The UPA, led by Congress, sought a united opposition against the BJP, coordinating with regional forces despite the challenges of managing diverse ideological stances.
Post-Election Scenario:
In those states where no party secured an absolute majority, post-election negotiations for coalition governments were important. Regional parties were significant in shaping the government and, hence, virtually kingmakers.
Federal Relations and Minor Parties:
Results also affected center-state relations where regional parties sought greater autonomy. Dominated by major parties, smaller parties and independents also played a role in closely contested contests, underlining the diverse and dynamic character of Indian politics.
CONCLUSION:
Overall, the 2024 elections reflect the play of national and regional ambitions, and coalition dynamics in building India’s direction for upcoming years in terms of policy and governance.
[1]https://carnegieendowment.org/features/india-elects-2024
[2] https://verfassungsblog.de/uniting-the-indian-opposition
[3] https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/story/election-commission-releases-
final-voter-turnout-data-2533653-2024-04-30
[4] https://elections24.eci.gov.in/docs/grfYnWoV4R.pdf
[5] https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2024/09/india-election-bjp-party
[6] https://www.whitehouse.gov/cea/written-materials/2021/08/11/the-cost-of-
living-in-america-helping-families-move-ahead
