Modi Claims Victory Amid Reduced Majority in 2024 India Election
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared a historic third consecutive victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections. However, his ruling alliance has not secured the large majority it had anticipated. Thanking supporters, Modi emphasized his commitment to continuing the “good work” of the past decade.
Historic Third Win but Reduced Majority
Modi’s BJP-led alliance is leading in over 290 of the 543 seats available, falling short of their 400-seat target. In contrast, the Congress and other opposition parties are expected to win more than 230 seats, surpassing predictions. This outcome contradicts exit polls that had projected a super majority for the BJP-led NDA alliance, which would have enabled constitutional changes.
In his first post-election remarks, Modi highlighted his historic victory. “I bow to the people for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people,” he said on X. Later, addressing supporters, he described his win as “the biggest in the world” and expressed his happiness.
Opposition Gains Ground
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi commented that voters had “punished” Modi and the BJP at the ballot box. Analysts suggest the BJP’s setbacks are due to rising prices, unemployment, controversial army recruitment reforms, and Modi’s divisive campaign, which may have alienated some voters.
Modi had aimed for 370 seats for the BJP and 400 for his alliance, a significant increase from the 303 seats won in the 2019 general election. Now, the BJP is not expected to secure the 272 seats needed for a majority in the lower house. This development means Modi will have to rely on smaller parties within the NDA to advance his agenda.
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Key Election Highlights
Some notable outcomes from the election include Modi retaining his Varanasi seat with a reduced majority. Gandhi won a seat in Kerala and is likely to win another in Uttar Pradesh. The BJP faced unexpected losses in Uttar Pradesh, with prominent minister Smriti Irani losing her seat, and another defeat at Ayodhya, where Modi recently inaugurated a controversial Hindu temple.
The election, viewed as a referendum on Modi’s decade in office, marks a significant shift. BJP offices have been described as “sombre” by BBC reporters, contrasting with the celebratory mood at Congress headquarters. The Indian markets have also reacted negatively, falling over 2%, reflecting uncertainty about the governing alliance’s strength.
Largest Democratic Exercise
An average of 66% voter turnout was recorded, making it the world’s largest democratic exercise with nearly a billion registered voters. Voting occurred over seven rounds from April 19 to June 1, amidst extreme heat, with temperatures nearing 50°C in parts of India.
Fierce Campaign Battle
The election campaign was intense and often vitriolic. Modi denied accusations of divisiveness and demonizing Muslims, pointing to his achievements in welfare schemes and enhancing India’s global profile. Opposition parties focused on cost-of-living issues, high unemployment, and concerns about constitutional changes potentially disempowering disadvantaged groups. They also promised to halt India’s “slide into autocracy.”
In recent years, several opposition leaders and government critics have faced imprisonment, including Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was detained on corruption charges in April but released briefly to campaign.
Despite the reduced majority, BJP supporters remain optimistic, although the race has been much tighter than expected. The coming days will reveal how Modi’s administration will navigate the new parliamentary landscape and address the challenges highlighted by the opposition.
