India recently completed a historic general election six weeks ago, garnering considerable attention both at home and abroad. With an electorate of around 970 million people, India boasts one of the most significant elections in the world. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi elected for a third consecutive term, the election results have been of great interest and represent a pivotal moment in the Indian political landscape.
India has a deep commitment to democracy rooted in historical and philosophical heritage and exhibits a tradition of democratic ideals. The adoption of the sacred Constitution in 1950 cemented India’s status as a democratic nation and symbolizes a dedication to civil rights, freedoms, and equitable distribution of resources. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw the resurgence of the Indian National Congress and high voter turnout demonstrated the vitality of the country’s democracy. The Indian National Congress surprised many by significantly increasing its number of seats from 52 to 99, marking a major shift from the expected dominance of the BJP.
India is well known for its large-scale democracy and conducted its elections with millions of voters, complex mobilization strategies, and the growing influence of social media. The election results reflected the country’s commitment to inclusive democracy with active participation from diverse voter segments, including women, elderly, and people with disabilities. The massive election mobilization involved over 150 million polling stations and security personnel, with various modes of transport and monitoring teams utilised to ensure the smooth running of the election process.
Even as India acknowledges the challenges it faces, its rich democratic traditions, inclusive spirit and historical contributions underscore the country’s importance as a democratic nation. The complex landscape of democracy in India necessitates continued efforts to address issues such as political conflict and growing disparities. Despite these challenges, India’s commitment to democratic values remains robust. India’s democratic story reflects a legacy of democratic principles reflected in the diverse contributions of influential philosophers and leaders. These historical foundations culminated in the establishment of democratic institutions after the adoption of the Constitution in 1950. India’s democratic ethos is further exemplified by its emphasis on public morality, freedom of expression and the right to dissent, which are essential components of a vibrant democracy.
Indian democracy has grown deeper as evidenced by the 2024 elections. By including representation of women, Dalits and tribal communities, India has demonstrated its strong democratic principles. India’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections marked a major turnaround in the political landscape, especially with regard to the participation and performance of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. Of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, 131 seats were reserved for the SC and ST categories, highlighting the important role these communities play in Indian democracy.
The results of the 2024 Indian Lok Sabha elections have brought about a major shift in the democratic landscape within the government. In the 2024 Indian Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi-led BJP and its allies won 292 seats, establishing itself as the most powerful party. The BJP has been dominating in the North and West through its visible development plans and policies, which has been key to their impressive performance. Moreover, despite facing a strong opposition alliance led by the Indian National Congress, the BJP’s strong performance in the elections has reaffirmed their continuing influence in shaping Indian national politics.
The BJP maintains dominance in many states and continues to strengthen its position across India through strategic partnerships. These results not only demonstrate the BJP’s ability to maintain and expand its influence in key areas, but also highlight the party’s consistent influence on India’s political landscape and solidify its fundamental role in shaping the country’s future governance. This transition in power highlights the evolution of coalition politics in India and underscores the growing importance of broader alliances and collaborative governance within a democratic framework.
The international community is closely watching the Indian elections, with over 50 countries voicing keen interest. A victory for Modi would signal a continuation of his policies and could shape India’s domestic and foreign policies for years to come. The results of India’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections reveal interesting democratic shifts and voter sentiment. The BJP-led NDA’s victory for a third consecutive term highlights the enduring trust and support that the Indian people have in Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. Though it fell short of its ambitious target of 400 seats, the election results cement the NDA’s mission to advance progressive policies for the nation.
Prime Minister Modi’s imminent return for a historic third term underscores his enduring popularity and public support for his transformative vision. The Indian bloc’s performance highlights evolving political dynamics and provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives in the political arena. But it also demonstrates the NDA’s tenacity in navigating a more competitive political environment, pointing to its enduring appeal and strong leadership under Prime Minister Modi.
The changing political landscape highlights the vitality of Indian democracy and the NDA is well positioned to meet the country’s challenges and opportunities in the coming years. It underscores shifts in voter sentiment and the need for adaptability to shifting political trends. Prime Minister Modi’s third term in office reflects continued support from voters. This result underscores the party’s continued popularity and its potential to form a stable and effective government.
The election results revealed that voter sentiment in the run-up to the election was multifaceted, reflecting India’s diverse socio-political makeup. Modi’s leadership is associated with economic development and improving India’s international standing. Modi’s victory has consolidated his influence.
The election was notable for its sheer size and historic voter turnout. The election process lasted six weeks and involved more than one million polling stations, marking a logistical and administrative feat. Candidates crisscrossed the country and voters queued for hours, highlighting the importance of this democratic endeavor. Despite the challenges, the election solidified India’s commitment to the democratic process. The BJP’s efforts to protect the country’s cultural heritage and strengthen governance differ from the promises of opposition parties, which have been criticized for undermining traditional values and principles.
Uttar Pradesh, traditionally a BJP stronghold, has witnessed a significant shift in SC/ST political dynamics. The Samajwadi Party and Indian National Congress have made impressive gains in the BJP’s SC vote base, resulting in a decline in the BJP’s number of seats among SCs. This shift highlights shifts in political alliances and voter preferences as SP leader Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA (Pichida, Dalit, Alpsangayak) narrative resonates strongly with voters. The increased representation of protected communities in the Lok Sabha is expected to bring new perspectives and priorities to state politics.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it was observed that out of 797 women who contested, only 74 won. This means that out of the total 543 Lok Sabha seats, only 13.6% are women, a figure significantly lower than the 14.3% representation in 2019, despite women making up around 50% of India’s population. Looking at women’s representation across states and union territories, Tripura and the union territories of Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu shared the top spot in women’s representation. These regions each elected one woman in two Lok Sabha constituencies, which equates to 50% representation, reflecting a notable achievement. Notably, Delhi ranked third in women’s representation, with women MPs taking up 28.57% of the seats. Among states with the highest number of women MPs, West Bengal topped the list, with women taking 11 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats, all of which are Trinamool Congress affiliates. This is followed by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh with seven women MPs each.
Despite existing challenges such as low representation of women in certain states and union territories, India’s democratic elections have consistently reinforced the country’s commitment to empowering its people and promoting fair participation in politics. Continued efforts to address these disparities and promote diverse representation are essential to strengthen democratic principles in India’s electoral environment.
Alok Birendra Tiwari works with the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. He was part of the Indian delegation to the World Food Forum Conference organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). He is currently affiliated with the Chanakya Fellowship in Social Sciences, Chanakya University, Bangalore. His research interests are governance, political behaviour and foreign policy. The views expressed in the article above are the personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Firstpost.
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