2024 Poll Results and Puzzling Outcomes

Reams of articles appeared in the mainstream newspapers analyzing the outcome of the recent parliamentary elections. They all noted that the Ayodhya temple effect wasn’t a factor; in some areas  elections were localized, BJP’s slogan abki baar char sou par had given enough ammunition to the Opposition to target the ruling party with the claim  that the Constitution and reservations were under threat. But soon after election results came out most rejoiced and said it was a victory for “Democracy” because people voted on their own accord and showed the ruling BJP its limits etc.  However, the ruling party BJP took the credit for conducting fair elections endorsed even by the Opposition. As always, at the beginning, the opposition raised some concerns about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) functioning and voiced apprehensions about the Election Commission’s stance on poll related issues. Their fears were allayed. The other countries were again stunned by the fact that this subcontinental size nation could vote peacefully without any major disturbances.  

For any party, to be returned to power for a third consecutive term is an achievement in itself. Though it has been in office for the last ten years, the BJP, has not lost its vigor, as is the case with many parties. Yet the high hopes and expectation of char sou par raised by the BJP  dampened the spirit of its gain. This time around the mandate is for the BJP Plus i.e. the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). People mandated the BJP to rule along with like-minded partners. The majority in India fully backed Prime minister Modi on three issues: the Ayodhya Temple construction, the abrogation of Article 370 and the development work done. Modi 3.0 was made possible by these factors.

Though many columnists wrote that Ayodhya temple was not a force multiplier in this election, there was certainly an undercurrent of pride and satisfaction among the majority of Hindus that voted for the BJP. Of course. Not winning in Ayodhya i.e. the Faizabad constituency was due to various circumstances unrelated to faith. Many reporters stated that some people complained that their land was taken for temple expansion but were not properly compensated; some others who did not have age-old land deeds were at a loss and the protracted construction work  caused traffic congestion which hurt their business. Above all their local M.P., did not come to their rescue when needed and was callous in addressing the grievances of his constituents. All in all, that was a fiasco.

This election is a game changer for the opposition also. It has become more robust. In a democracy, the opposition plays a crucial role in representing the voice of dissent. However, the principal party on that side i.e. the Congress went back to its earlier vote banks: Muslims, Dalits, and Adivasis in an outright and open way, though it was hesitant for a long time to take that call. Rahul Gandhi was elected in two constituencies with a decent margin and his role has increased in his party. Women like Mamatha Banerjee (TMC) and Kalpana Soren (JMM) withstood all storms. Before that election, the prime minister emphasised that his campaign was directed against two problems endemic to the country. One is about dynastic power i.e. family-controlled parties in Indian democracy. The other is corruption. Nevertheless the Dynasts: Stalin of DMK in Tamil Nadu, Akhilesh Yadav of Samajwadi Party in U.P., Uddhav Thackery and Sharad Pawar in Maharashtra won in their respective bastions. That shows that family-controlled parties are here to stay. By joining Ajit Pawar’s faction in Maharashtra and making him the Deputy Chief-Minister the BJP has lost some credibility in the fight against corruption. The admission of Ashok Chavan, known for the Adarsh scam, into the BJP has made the Party’s assurances in this regard sound hollow. After all, much in politics is all about perception.

In any case, people have sent a message through their verdict to the BJP to be accommodative and to rule the country more consensually, keeping in view the diversity of the nation. The popular mandate is also a demand for effective governance rather than mentoring people on what to eat and how to dress. Personal freedom has to be respected. One-size-size-fits-all policies are not acceptable in this vast country. The BJP government is welcome, with some caveats. That was the ultimate verdict of the national polls.