After the conclusion of the Indian general election, the official results have been disclosed. In light of this outcome, the country’s citizens have re-elected Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India for a third term.
However, it is noteworthy that the alliance led by Modi, which had anticipated a resounding victory, experienced some setbacks.
As Prime Minister, Modi is now faced with the intricate task of forming a coalition government, a process that may require significant compromise and potentially limit his ability to pursue unilateral actions.
The election results and the aspirations of the Indian people
Dr.Chietigj Bajpaee , a distinguished researcher based in the South Asian division of Chatham House, a renowned British research institute, has underscored the profound significance of the recent election outcomes in India.
According to Dr Bajpaee , the results reflect the Indian populace’s strong inclination to entrust the responsibility of leading the nation to Narendra Modi, regardless of the circumstances.
Dr Bajpaee further emphasised the widespread endorsement of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s initiatives to position India as a leading global manufacturing hub.
Following the elections, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling coalition fell short of securing the anticipated majority.
In a surprising turn of events, Modi’s BJP-led coalition currently holds over 290 seats out of the 543, thus missing their target of 400 seats.
The Congress and other allied opposition parties exceeded expectations by securing more than 230 seats, as reported by Indian sources.
Expressing gratitude to the voters, Modi reassured the public that the transformative efforts of the past decade will continue.
Right-Wing Hinduism: Understanding Its Ideology and Influence
Some observers have characterised the BJP’s electoral triumph as a blend of hope and concern in the Western world.
Critics have proposed that the outcome will encourage Modi’s foreign policy stance and potentially amplify the influence of a right-wing Hinduism ideology.
This ideology, which emphasises the cultural and religious identity of India, has been a significant factor in the BJP’s political agenda.
However, the Carnegie Institute for International Peace has underscored that a substantial shift in foreign policy is anticipated during the NDA’s third term due to the inherent structural nature of geopolitical transformations.
India’s Position as a Defensive Barrier Against China
India aspires to act as a defensive barrier against China, and the United States is increasing its influence to support this goal.
The U.S. appears to use India for this purpose, as seen when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the U.S. a year ago, and many people there made special requests to President Joe Biden.
They asked him to address concerns about the suppression of democracy and the erosion of media freedom in India.
Whether President Biden paid proper attention to these issues is uncertain, but Prime Minister Modi asserted that India is a stronghold of democracy. This emphasises the crucial role of India’s democratic nature in shaping its global image.
Election Campaign and Inequality
Allegations have surfaced suggesting that there were instances of inequality during the recent general elections in India. It has been noted that pro-Western states, such as the United States, have not given due consideration to these allegations.
The arrest of two opposition chief ministers, the suspension of the opposition Indian Congress’s bank accounts, and the electoral bond process, which reportedly favoured the Bharatiya Janata Party, have raised concerns and should be thoroughly investigated for their potential impact on the fairness of the election process.
Overcoming Challenges: The Opposition’s Forward Momentum
“During his election campaign, Narendra Modi has faced accusations of attempting to fuel Islamophobia.
Some analysts argue that, despite these disparities, the opposition has successfully reached a larger audience.
They have emphasised that, regardless of perspective, the opposition has faced challenges regarding election funding, the conduct of investigative bodies, media influence, and the Election Commission’s silence. Despite these obstacles, the opposition has managed to surpass all expectations.”
Modi denies the allegations
He dismissed the allegations of inequalities against Modi, emphasising that the BJP government had made the Election Commission independent.
He also stated that his government did not create laws concerning the Election Commission. Additionally, the Election Commission of India has addressed the demands of the opposition multi-party representatives and ensured that they have been duly recognised while taking necessary steps to conduct the general election.
The Largest Democracy in the World
There has been a lot of discussion and debate about Modi’s third victory and its implications. One concern is the potential erosion of democratic values in India.
There’s also a focus on India’s role in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in countering China. Steve Hanke, an economics professor at Johns Hopkins University and a former member of President Ronald Reagan’s advisory council, has pointed out the often-used phrase “India is the largest democracy in the world.”
The Impact of 10 Years of Modi’s Leadership on the Indian Economy
In 2014, when Modi first came to power, India was ranked as the 10th largest economy in the world. Since then, it has ascended to the 5th position, prompting expectations that it will outpace Germany and Japan, eventually becoming the third-largest economy after the United States and China.
This growth is attributed to the country’s vast potential for rapid expansion and an ever-increasing market. Despite India’s economic success, its economy is still only 20 per cent the size of China’s. However, India’s financial performance is gaining traction as China experiences stagnation.
With a population of 1.4 billion, India boasts a substantial domestic market and has achieved an economic growth rate of 7 per cent.
Additionally, India’s advantageous demographic, characterised by a robust youth workforce, positions the country as a potential global powerhouse shortly. Nonetheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that India is an emerging superpower and has not yet attained such status. This raises the question of whether India can indeed achieve superpower status.
Global political activism
Meanwhile, in global political activism, India has taken the side of Russia in the war against Ukraine. This can be seen as a political strategy.
While India is reluctant to openly condemn President Putin for his invasion of Ukraine, it is clear that Western countries have expressed concern over this activity.
Modi has shown no interest in distancing himself from Putin and conducting his political work. India aspires to act as a friend to all, which can also be seen as a reflexion of ancient Indian philosophy.
There appear to be many challenges facing Modi in his third term as Prime Minister, taking into account global activism, the failure to achieve the expected majority power, and potential obstacles in implementing his policies.
The opposition is expected to stand up more than ever, with Rahul Gandhi striving to increase his power over the next five years. As a result, international commentators believe that the election result will further test Modi’s performance.
