The 2024 elections have vividly showcased the democratic spirit and wisdom of the Indian electorate. They have delivered a clear majority to the NDA, ensuring a stable government poised to run for a full five-year term. This outcome reflects the public’s trust in the current leadership to steer the nation toward progress by continuing the developmental projects and policies set in motion over the past years.
Equally important, the elections have ensured a robust Opposition. The vigilant Opposition will play a critical role in imposing regular checks and balances on the government, which is essential for a healthy democracy. This dynamic ensures that no government action goes unscrutinised and that the interests of all citizens are represented and protected.
In north India, the Hindi heartland, the electorate demonstrated that regional and ground issues are paramount. With his PDA (Pichre, Dalit and Alpsankhyak) campaign, Akhilesh Yadav of Samajwadi Party (SP) outsmarted everyone and showed that Uttar Pradesh is not uncontested for the BJP in the future. The BJP’s poor performance in states like UP, even losing the seat in the constituency where the Ram Temple is located, indicates that voters can distinguish between their religious beliefs and political choices.
On the other hand, the elections also challenged the assumption that South Indian states would never consider the BJP, a party traditionally perceived as dominant in the North and West. The BJP was often mocked as the “below-NOTA” party in Tamil Nadu, as it typically received fewer votes than even NOTA (none of the above). However, in 2024, the BJP, projected as the “Hindi party” in Tamil Nadu, secured 11 per cent of the vote, finishing a respectable third and slightly ahead of the Congress. In Kerala, this vote share was even higher, with one in six voters choosing the BJP. The Southern electorate demonstrated that their concerns transcend regional and language divides, indicating a more inclusive political landscape. Indian voters are proving to be politically entrepreneurial—willing to try new ideas and parties that resonate with their issues.
Despite its significant victory —securing 2.5 times the seats of its nearest rival—the BJP will likely need to introspect and give greater consideration to its senior leaders and alliance partners. The party must reflect on certain campaign strategies, its relationship with the RSS, and the importance of inner-party democracy. The electorate’s message is clear: even in victory, there is always room for improvement and growth.
The voters of 2024 have put PM Narendra Modi under a new test. He is a seasoned politician, globally one of the most successful democratic leaders of this century. He has orchestrated landslide victories and secured thumping majorities. But for the first time, at the age of 74, he has been asked by the voters to manage a coalition government. Modi will have to cut the accelerator on the rapid resolute decision-making he is so used to, and adopt an approach of negotiations and deliberation, which may be painful but the need of the hour.
The Congress party, despite managing to grow from a low base, faces the reality of having lost three consecutive elections without crossing three digits in seat count. This result necessitates a strategic shift to capitalise on the hope voters have shown. They should be relieved that there is no “Congress Mukt Bharat” as some had envisioned; the Opposition remains strong and vital. Going from 52 to 99 seats is a matter of finding the right coalition partners, but matching the BJP head-to-head will require significant restructuring, innovation and mentoring of many new leaders.
Above all, the integrity of the electoral process was upheld. Despite numerous allegations in courts and in the press, the Election Commission and EVMs performed their duties admirably. This election has reinforced faith in the electoral system, proving that the process is fair and transparent. The nation owes a debt of gratitude, and perhaps some apology, to those who ensured the smooth conduct of the elections during one of the hottest summers in the history of India.
The 2024 elections have debunked the myth of exit polls, which now many doubt, have ended up manipulating public sentiment and stock markets. Middle-class investors who relied on these speculations faced financial losses and on the result day, approximately Rs 3 lakh crore in investor wealth was wiped off. This sharp disconnect between exit poll predictions and actual results underscores the need for more reliable polling methodologies which need to be transparent and open to scrutiny.
Dr BR Ambedkar’s words resonate today: “Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience.” The significance and effectiveness of Indian voters have been demonstrated yet again, underscoring the grand democracy that India is. This election has not only reflected the collective wisdom of the Indian electorate but also highlighted the vibrant and resilient self-balancing nature of our democratic framework.
With hope and optimism, let us celebrate this democratic victory and work together towards a brighter future for all. Well done, voter. You won.
The author is Founder, Dr. Kalam Centre and Homi Lab and former Advisor to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.