Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for his third consecutive term as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 290+ seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The tallying of votes on Tuesday unveiled a varied outcome, showcasing the NDA's robust performance alongside significant advancements for the opposition. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 240 seats, whereas the Congress party saw a significant rise, securing 99 seats compared to the 52 seats it won in 2019.
Speaking from the BJP headquarters in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his gratitude to voters for their unwavering support. He asserted, "Today’s triumph signifies the victory of the world’s largest democracy."
Modi, the second leader, succeeding founding Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, to secure a third consecutive term, has committed to an era of transformative change in the upcoming five years. Under his stewardship, India has emerged as the globe's swiftest-growing major economy. His vision now sets sights on propelling India to the position of the world's third-largest economy within the forthcoming three years, trailing only the United States and China.
All eyes are now on BJP’s crucial allies, N. Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh and Nitish Kumar in Bihar, whose backing is pivotal for the NDA to form the next government. According to election commission data, Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) clinched 16 Lok Sabha seats, while Nitish Kumar's JD(U) secured 12 seats in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, respectively. Together, they command a significant total of 28 seats, wielding substantial sway over the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Both Naidu and Kumar have reiterated their allegiance to the NDA and are poised to participate in the alliance’s upcoming meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
The BJP encountered significant setbacks in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. In Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party made waves by securing 37 seats, emerging as the dominant force in the state, which contributes the highest number of MPs to the Lok Sabha. Congress, in coalition with the SP as part of the INDIA bloc, secured six seats. Collectively, the opposition INDIA bloc attained 43 seats in Uttar Pradesh. In contrast, BJP's performance witnessed a notable decline, managing to secure only 33 seats, marking a considerable decrease from its 2019 tally of 63 seats in the state.
In Maharashtra, the opposition INDIA bloc emerged triumphant in the majority of constituencies. Prominent political figures such as Nitin Gadkari and Piyush Goyal successfully defended their seats. The NDA, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and NCP led by Ajit Pawar, secured 17 seats. Conversely, the INDIA bloc, consisting of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawar's NCPSP, and Congress, clinched 30 seats. Congress stood out as the largest single party in the state, securing 13 seats.
Many celebrity politicians dived into heated electoral showdowns during the recent elections. In Amethi, Union Minister Smriti Irani suffered defeat against Kishori Lal Sharma, a staunch supporter of the Gandhi family. Meanwhile, in Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor secured victory over the BJP’s Rajiv Chandrasekhar in a fiercely competitive three-way race, capitalising on a notable shift in favour from coastal voters. Actor Suresh Gopi etched his name in history by becoming the BJP's inaugural victor in Thrissur, Kerala, prevailing over the Congress in a triangular contest.
In this election, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has showcased remarkable prowess in vital areas throughout India. Particularly noteworthy is the BJP's sweeping victory, securing all 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh, underscoring its commanding presence in the state. Additionally, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) clinched triumphs in several other pivotal regions.
In states such as Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Tripura, the NDA cemented its position by capturing all available seats. Furthermore, the BJP showcased strong performances in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Odisha, securing notable victories.
In Chhattisgarh, the party clinched 10 out of 11 seats, while in Gujarat, it prevailed in 25 seats. In Odisha, the BJP emerged triumphant in 20 out of the state's 21 Lok Sabha seats, solidifying its footprint. Additionally, in Andhra Pradesh, the BJP and its allies, TDP and Janasena, secured victories in 21 out of the 25 Lok Sabha seats, indicating significant backing in the area.
Prime Minister Modi's re-election victory in Varanasi, though with a decreased margin compared to 2019, reaffirms the enduring trust in his leadership. He secured a win by 150,000 votes. These impressive results in crucial areas further cement the BJP's standing and underscore the widespread appeal of the NDA throughout India.
The outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections reflects a varied response from the Indian voters. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA have secured a third consecutive term, the resurgence of the opposition, particularly in pivotal states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, underscores a vibrant and fiercely contested political scenario. As Modi gears up for another tenure, the pledges of catalysing economic development and the hurdles presented by a bolstered opposition will influence the political narrative in the foreseeable future.
