In a dramatic turn of events, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections have concluded with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clinching a narrow victory. Despite leading the polls, the BJP’s margin is far slimmer than anticipated, marking a significant shift from the landslide wins of previous years.
- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 5 seats and is leading in 241, making it the party with the highest total of 246 seats.
- The Indian National Congress (INC) follows with a total of 96 seats, having won 4 and leading in 92.
- Smaller parties like the Janata Dal, Aam Aadmi Party, and others have secured fewer seats.
- The Samajwadi Party (SP) and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) have a significant number of leads, with 33 and 29 seats respectively, but have not won any seats outright.
- A number of smaller parties and independent candidates have also made it to the list, reflecting the diverse political representation in the elections.
- The total number of seats accounted for in this analysis is 543, with 12 won outright and 531 where the leading party is yet to be confirmed as the winner.
The BJP’s Edge: A Pyrrhic Victory?
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was projected to secure a historic third term for Modi, with ambitions soaring as high as 400 seats. However, the reality painted a different picture. The BJP is leading, but with a lead that’s far narrower than expected, suggesting a ‘moral loss’ despite the technical win. The early results indicate that the BJP-led alliance is leading in around 295 seats, which is more than the 272 needed for a majority but falls short of the party’s performance in 2019.
Need for Allies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP will likely need the help of allies to form the government as the trends suggest it is far from the 272-mark to form a majority government. Two key allies of the BJP – the TDP and the JD(U) – have confirmed their support for Modi as the alliance’s prime ministerial candidate. Together, these allies are leading in around 28 seats, potentially bridging the gap for the BJP to form the government.
Voter Turnout: A Declining Trend
The voter turnout this year was 66.3 percent, approximately one percentage point lower than the 67.4 percent turnout in 2019. This decline continues a trend observed since the 2014 elections, where the turnout was 66.44 percent, dropping from the peak in 2019. The decrease in voter engagement raises questions about the factors influencing public participation in the world’s largest democracy.
Punjab: The Battle for the Breadbasket
In the vibrant state of Punjab, known as the breadbasket of India, the election results were a testament to the region’s dynamic political environment. The Congress party managed to secure a lead in 7 seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) followed with victories in 3 constituencies. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) claimed 1 seat, reflecting the party’s continued relevance in the state’s politics.
The Congress’s marginal lead in vote share, with 26.45 percent, narrowly surpassed the ruling AAP, indicating a competitive race that kept voters on edge. Amritpal Singh and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa ran as independent candidates and secured a notable win. This victory underscores the potential for independent candidates to resonate with voters and win against established party candidates. The detailed results from the Election Commission of India showcased the performance of different parties across the districts of Punjab, highlighting the nuanced voter preferences that vary within the state.
As the rest of the nation watched the BJP’s performance, Punjab’s electorate painted a different picture, one that emphasised regional issues and the significance of local leadership. The state’s results are crucial in understanding the broader narrative of India’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the evolving political landscape.
Rahul Gandhi’s Performance
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has shown strong performance in both of his constituencies -sweeping through his dual strongholds—Wayanad in the verdant south and the historic Rae Bareli in the north. The latest tallies reveal a staggering 600,000+ votes in Gandhi’s favour, placing him a significant 390,000 votes ahead of his nearest BJP rival. Amidst the buzz of victory, Gandhi addressed the nation from Delhi, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his legion of supporters and shared that the decision to choose his parliamentary seat remains in contemplation.
A Fractured Mandate?
The 2024 elections have left India with a fractured mandate. While the BJP remains at the helm, the reduced majority and voter turnout signal a need for introspection. The opposition’s gains reflect a growing desire for change and a more competitive political environment. As India navigates through these results, the focus will be on how the BJP addresses the challenges ahead and whether it can fulfil the aspirations of its diverse electorate.
Further Reading and Resources
- Election Commission of India Results
- India election results 2024
- Channi wins Jalandhar seat | Indian Express
- India Election 2024 News | Al Jazeera
This article provides a concise overview of the key outcomes of the India Election 2024.
