As expected, Narendra Modi extended his decade-long tenure with a third consecutive term. Ruchi Verma takes a look at the factors contributing to the victory, noteworthy among which was his charismatic leadership. Modi’s ability to connect with the masses through compelling speeches, a relatable personal backstory, and a promise of strong governance played a crucial role. She surmises this will also help sustain and enhance friendly, mutually beneficial relations with other nations, ensuring that India continues to play a pivotal role in global affairs.
The general elections in India are the world’s largest democratic exercise. This time around, the world’s largest election was a six-week long exercise where Indians voted for 543 members of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, for a five-year term at the longest.
India is home to 968.8 million registered voters who exercised their power to vote and elect their leader. When the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were announced, Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) emerged as the largest party which formed a coalition government under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with Narendra Modi as India’s 14th Prime Minister.
With the historic third term, he is the longest-serving Indian Prime Minister outside the Indian National Congress. Despite the brouhaha over the BJP going “is baar char sau paar”, the party managed to scrape through a majority, but barely, triggering ripples of criticism and sarcasm across opposition lines.
In an unprecedented political landscape, where most exit polls had projected Narendra Modi as poised to extend his decade-long tenure with a third consecutive term, the Prime Minister fulfilled a pivotal promise of his party’s Hindu nationalist agenda by inaugurating the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in January 2024.
India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, declared that 642 million voters participating in the election was a world record. Contesting the Lok Sabha election from Varanasi for the third time, Modi secured his seat with a margin of 1,52,513 votes, defeating Ajay Rai of the Indian National Congress, who represented the SP-INC alliance. Notably, this victory margin was the second narrowest for a sitting Prime Minister in Indian history.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged victorious with a total of 292 seats, surpassing the simple majority by 20 seats, while the BJP alone secured 240 seats. Expressing his gratitude, Modi thanked the electorate for their continued trust in his leadership for a third term. The feat of registering nearly a billion voters across India’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The factors
One of the most significant factors contributing to the victory is his charismatic leadership. Modi’s ability to connect with the electorate through compelling speeches, a relatable personal backstory, and a promise of strong governance has played a crucial role. His image as a decisive leader who is unafraid to tackle tough issues resonates with a wide array of voters. From his speeches highlighting national security to his promises of economic growth, he has successfully crafted a narrative of progress and strength.
The BJP’s campaign strategy was meticulous and well-orchestrated. Leveraging modern technology and social media platforms, the party reached voters across the country with targeted messages. The campaign’s focus on nationalistic sentiments, economic achievements, and a vision for a “New India” captured the imagination of many voters. The BJP’s ability to mobilise grassroots support and manage a high-octane campaign further cemented its electoral dominance.
The administration implemented several high-profile economic policies that played a role in the election. Initiatives such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Make in India programme, and welfare schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) have had mixed results but were marketed as steps towards national development. These policies were presented as part of a larger vision for economic modernisation and inclusive growth, which resonated with voters seeking progress and stability.
The fragmented state of the opposition also contributed to the victory. The Indian National Congress and other opposition parties struggled to present a unified front or a compelling alternative vision. The lack of a strong, cohesive opposition allowed the BJP to dominate the political narrative and avoid effective challenges to its policies and performance.
The implications
With a commanding majority, the government has the political capital to pursue its policy agenda with greater freedom. This mandate offers the opportunity for bold initiatives in areas such as economic reform, infrastructure development, and national security. However, the distribution of power raises questions about the potential for overreach and the need for maintaining democratic checks and balances. The government will need to balance ambitious goals with the expectations of effective and inclusive governance.
The victory also poses a significant challenge for the opposition. To remain relevant, opposition parties must reevaluate their strategies, rebuild their organisations, and find a way to present a unified and credible alternative to the BJP. This may involve forging new alliances, rethinking policy positions, and engaging more effectively with the electorate. The future of India’s democratic discourse will depend on the ability of the opposition to offer meaningful critiques and alternatives.
With a decisive mandate, public expectations are at an all-time high. Voters will be looking for tangible improvements in areas such as job creation, economic stability, and social welfare. The success of this government will be judged not just on its policy achievements but also on its ability to deliver on campaign promises and manage public grievances effectively.
On a positive note, the electorate’s decision to re-elect the same government for a third term bodes well for the efficient and swift implementation of economic programmes, infrastructure projects, and welfare schemes. The continuity in governance ensures that ongoing policies can be pursued with greater consistency and momentum.
This stability also extends to India’s diplomatic engagements and international relations. With the same leadership at the helm, diplomatic channels can be further strengthened, and foreign policies refined and advanced as envisioned in the previous term. The continuity allows for seamless progress in nurturing bilateral and multilateral ties.
The road ahead
While the election victory has provided a strong mandate, the possibility of newer alliances cannot be ruled out in the future. Should there be such a scenario, the dynamics of governance would shift from a centralised approach to a more collaborative model. This would require navigating diverse interests, managing political bargaining, and maintaining unity among partners. The effectiveness of governance in a new setting will depend on the ability of the leaders to balance these dynamics while continuing to project a vision for India’s future.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the victory indicates the effectiveness of the BJP’s campaign strategy. The factors behind this triumph include Modi’s charismatic appeal, strategic use of economic policies, and a fragmented opposition. However, the implications of this mandate are multifaceted. While it offers the opportunity for bold governance and significant policy advancements, it also brings with it heightened public expectations and the need for careful management of democratic processes.
India’s stature on the global stage across various domains—economy, defence, technology, humanitarian aid—remains robust. With the re-elected government, it will be easier to sustain and enhance friendly, mutually beneficial relations with other nations, ensuring that India continues to play a pivotal role in global affairs.
As the Modi administration moves forward, the ability to meet these expectations and navigate the complexities will be crucial. The future of Indian governance will hinge on how well the government can balance ambitious reforms with inclusive policies and how effectively the opposition can regroup to provide a counterbalance in the democratic process.