Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared victory for his National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in India’s general election, despite his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) losing seats to a stronger-than-expected opposition. Modi hailed the win as a triumph for democracy, highlighting the trust voters placed in his party and coalition. However, the BJP secured only 240 seats, a significant drop from the 303 seats won in the 2019 election, necessitating reliance on coalition partners for a majority.
Modi acknowledged the reduced majority as a call for greater collaboration with allies such as the Telugu Desam Party and Janata Dal (United), crucial for maintaining his administration. This dependence marks a notable shift for Modi, who anticipated a more commanding victory, aiming for 370 seats combined with allies.
The Congress party, under Mallikarjun Kharge, improved its performance, winning 99 seats, up from 52 in 2019. Key opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party, All India Trinamool Congress, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, also made significant gains, contributing to the opposition INDIA coalition’s total of 232 seats.
The Times of India editorial highlighted that voters prioritized economic issues, particularly job creation and economic aspirations, signaling dissatisfaction with Modi’s economic record. Political commentators like Pratap Bhanu Mehta noted that the election results pricked the bubble of Modi’s perceived invincibility, reducing him to “just another politician.”
Despite the setback, Modi reiterated his commitment to transforming India’s economy, pledging to advance defense production, job creation, exports, and agricultural support. He emphasized that his administration would continue implementing Hindu nationalist policies, which have been central to his tenure.
The election, marked by over 640 million votes, underscored the resilience of India’s democracy, with diverse voter concerns influencing the outcome. Critics argue that Modi’s tenure has strained democratic norms through aggressive tactics against political opponents and the media. Nonetheless, Modi’s appeal remains strong among his core supporters, who view him as a decisive leader improving India’s global standing.
As Modi enters his third term, he faces the challenge of balancing coalition politics while addressing the economic and social concerns that have galvanized the opposition. The outcome also reflects a nuanced voter base that values both democratic principles and tangible economic improvements.
