The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be remembered for the significant shifts it brought about, notably the BJP’s attempt to maintain a formidable majority, which was supported by a coalition originating from impoverished backgrounds. This election marked a turning point against a power faction that sought to undermine democracy by implicating opposition leaders and freezing the accounts of the main opposition Congress, thereby undermining its campaign.
Prime Minister Modi’s ambitious campaign, characterised by slogans like “Ab Ki Baar Char Sau Paar” and the “Modi Guarantee,” fell short of expectations, failing to secure a majority exceeding 300 seats. Even in Varanasi, where PM Modi had previously won with a substantial margin of 4.5 lakhs, the victory margin narrowed to 1.5 lakhs.
Uttar Pradesh delivered a surprise as the Akhilesh Yadav-Rahul Gandhi alliance secured 43 out of 80 seats, a significant shift from the BJP’s previous dominance with 62 seats. Maharashtra also witnessed a shift, with the Congress leading in seats with 12 out of 48, followed closely by the BJP with 11 seats. The realignment of alliances showcased the strength of the Mahavikas Aghadi alliance, whereas in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP maintained its stronghold, winning all 29 seats.
In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee emerged as the kingmaker with 29 seats despite contesting without an alliance, while the BJP secured 12 seats amid divided votes. Bihar saw a balanced outcome, with the BJP winning 12 seats, the JD (U) winning 12 seats, and the Congress and RJD securing 3 and 4 seats, respectively.
Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP wave affected Jagan’s YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh, positioning Naidu as a potential kingmaker. With the NDA and India alliance vying for power, Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar emerged as kingmakers in a hung cabinet scenario, evident from Narendra Modi’s outreach to Naidu.
Efforts to engage with crucial parties like Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP and Nitish Kumar’s JD (U) have been underway since the coalition results. The potential formation of a government with over 225 seats hinges on alliances with parties including JD (U), with the Congress anticipating this possibility.
This election also showcased the resilience of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has faced ridicule from the BJP over the years. Congress’s significant surge from 52 to 100 seats, attributed to the relentless efforts of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and individuals like Dhruv Rathi, defied the projections of exit polls, marking one of the party’s strongest performances in a decade.
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