Three days after the outcome of the national elections, the political repercussions are still playing out across the country. The result has brought the unpredictability back in Indian democracy, which many people have welcomed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite securing an unprecedented third term, saw his BJP fall short of the parliamentary majority they sought. This has somewhat dented his dominant image, but the remarkable turn of events has also demonstrated the free and fair nature of India’s electoral processes.
Modi’s central role in the BJP’s campaign, leveraging India’s rising global status and emphasizing Hindu nationalist credentials, did not yield the expected results. Voters prioritized local livelihood issues over the BJP’s Hindutva agenda, which failed to resonate in areas with strong regional identities. The party’s economic messaging, focused on India’s growth as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, fell flat against the backdrop of high inequality and youth unemployment.
While the election result is undoubtedly a setback for the brand Modi, it is premature to count him out. Achieving a third consecutive term places him in the rare company of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister. Modi’s ability to adapt and reinvent himself politically is well-documented, and the BJP remains a formidable force in Indian politics, even as it navigates coalition dynamics.
The BJP’s weakened position means it will rely more heavily on coalition partners, like the JD(U) and TDP, which have a history of shifting alliances. This could lead to a more consensus-driven approach in policymaking. Upcoming state elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana will be critical in shaping the BJP’s priorities o=in near future.
Ultimately, this election reaffirms the faith in India’s democracy. It demonstrates that even dominant political forces are subject to the will of the electorate. The outcome offers a balance of stability and continuity, while restraining the BJP’s ability to pursue its nationalist agenda.
Going forward, it remains to be seen how the top BJP leadership adjusts to coalition dharma, which has so far been alien to them. Over the past decade, the party has been in a commanding position with the allies at its mercy. Now, reverse is the case with the allies such as TDP headed by N Chandrababu Naidu and JD(U) led by Nitish Kumar, calling the shots. What is more, the ideological clash between the BJP on one hand and the TDP and JD(U) on the other couldn’t be starker. But the beauty of democracy is for the ideologically divergent parties to work together and act in the best interest of the country.
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