Deciphering India’s Democratic Dance: The 2024 General Elections
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.
By Pooja Paswan
May 13, 2024
As the world’s largest democracy, India’s elections are always closely watched, and the 2024 election was no exception. With over 900 million eligible voters, the democratic process in India is both a spectacle and a testament to the power of the people. In the world’s most populous democracy, the electoral process is akin to a grand festival, with fervor, debates and the quest for power shaping the nation’s destiny. The Indian general election of 2024, with its colossal electorate and diverse political landscape, stood as a testament to the vibrancy and complexity of democratic governance.
The Dominant Forces
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emerged as the central force in the electoral arena, leveraging its developmental agenda to mobilize support. Alongside, the opposition alliances, comprising both national and regional parties, presented a formidable front, seeking to capitalize on discontent and offer alternative visions for governance.
The BJP’s narrative revolved around the idea of a strong and prosperous India, emphasizing national security, economic growth and cultural identity. Through initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Digital India,” the party aimed to position itself as the torchbearer of progress, appealing to both traditional supporters and new segments of the electorate, including young voters and aspirational middle-class families.
Crucially, the BJP’s campaign machinery was adept at leveraging social media and digital platforms to amplify its message and mobilize support. From Twitter storms to WhatsApp campaigns, the party’s online presence was ubiquitous, enabling it to reach voters across geographical and demographic divides.
Driving Economic Prosperity
The Modi government’s economic agenda has focused on catalyzing growth, fostering innovation and ensuring fiscal discipline. Through a combination of structural reforms and targeted initiatives, India has achieved significant milestones in economic development. The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) stands out as a watershed moment, simplifying the tax regime and promoting ease of doing business. Additionally, initiatives such as “Make in India,” aimed at boosting manufacturing, and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), designed to streamline the resolution of insolvent firms, have laid the groundwork for a more competitive and resilient economy.
The government’s focus on infrastructure development, digitalization and skill enhancement is expected to drive productivity gains and foster inclusive growth. Initiatives like the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India) are poised to unlock new opportunities and propel India towards becoming a global economic powerhouse. Modi’s leadership has been instrumental in steering India towards economic prosperity in becoming a $5 trillion economy.
Infrastructure Revolution
The government’s ambitious agenda has led to the launch and completion of several transformative infrastructure projects, marking a new era of progress and opportunity for the nation. From flagship initiatives like the Bharatmala Pariyojana and Sagarmala to rural development schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure has been unwavering. Significant strides have been made in enhancing connectivity through roads, railways, ports and airports. The construction of new highways, expansion of railway networks, modernization of ports and development of world-class airports have facilitated smoother movement of goods and people, boosting trade, tourism and economic activity.
Pioneering Digital Revolution
The Digital India Initiative launched in 2015, aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Through initiatives like BharatNet, which aims to provide broadband connectivity to every village, and the National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN), significant progress has been made in expanding digital infrastructure and internet penetration. Modi’s government has achieved remarkable success in enhancing digital infrastructure, increasing internet penetration, and promoting e-governance. Initiatives such as the Aadhaar-based services and the MyGov platform have facilitated efficient delivery of government services and improved transparency. Moreover, India’s mobile internet users have surged, with affordable data plans and widespread smartphone adoption driving digital inclusion. With initiatives like the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) and the National AI Mission, the government aims to harness emerging technologies to address societal challenges and drive economic growth. Investments in research and development, coupled with policies that foster entrepreneurship and innovation, are expected to propel India’s digital ecosystem to new heights.
Commitment to Inclusive Development
The government has rolled out a plethora of social welfare schemes targeting various segments of the population. Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and Ayushman Bharat have been instrumental in providing financial inclusion, clean cooking fuel and healthcare coverage to millions of underserved individuals.
Modi’s tenure has witnessed significant achievements in key areas such as healthcare, sanitation and financial inclusion. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, touted as the world’s largest healthcare program, has provided insurance coverage to over 500 million people, offering access to quality healthcare services. Additionally, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has led to significant improvements in sanitation and hygiene, positively impacting the health and well-being of communities. Furthermore, financial inclusion initiatives like PMJDY have facilitated access to banking services for the unbanked population, promoting financial literacy and empowerment. With a commitment to leaving no one behind, the government aims to build upon past achievements and address remaining challenges such as poverty, unemployment and social inequality. Initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and the National Nutrition Mission demonstrate the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of every Indian, ensuring inclusive growth and development for all segments of society.
As we unravel the complexities of India’s democratic tapestry leading up to the 2024 General Elections, it becomes apparent that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stands as a formidable contender poised for significant influence. Guided by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP has adeptly navigated the political landscape, championing a narrative of progress, unity and national pride. As the electoral drama unfolds, only time will reveal the ultimate verdict of the electorate. Will the BJP succeed in securing another mandate, or will the winds of change usher in a new chapter in India’s political narrative? The answer lies in the hands of millions of voters across the nation, as they cast their ballots and shape the destiny of the world’s largest democracy.
Author: Pooja Paswan an alumni of John.F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, India. She has Ph. D in Public Administration and specializes in Public Policy. She was recipient of the ASPA 2019 Founders Fellow. She has worked extensively in the area of development administration and policy. She can be reached at https://jmi.academia.edu/PoojaPaswan and [email protected]. Twitter @poojapaswan
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Deciphering India’s Democratic Dance: The 2024 General Elections
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.
By Pooja Paswan
May 13, 2024
As the world’s largest democracy, India’s elections are always closely watched, and the 2024 election was no exception. With over 900 million eligible voters, the democratic process in India is both a spectacle and a testament to the power of the people. In the world’s most populous democracy, the electoral process is akin to a grand festival, with fervor, debates and the quest for power shaping the nation’s destiny. The Indian general election of 2024, with its colossal electorate and diverse political landscape, stood as a testament to the vibrancy and complexity of democratic governance.
The Dominant Forces
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emerged as the central force in the electoral arena, leveraging its developmental agenda to mobilize support. Alongside, the opposition alliances, comprising both national and regional parties, presented a formidable front, seeking to capitalize on discontent and offer alternative visions for governance.
The BJP’s narrative revolved around the idea of a strong and prosperous India, emphasizing national security, economic growth and cultural identity. Through initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Digital India,” the party aimed to position itself as the torchbearer of progress, appealing to both traditional supporters and new segments of the electorate, including young voters and aspirational middle-class families.
Crucially, the BJP’s campaign machinery was adept at leveraging social media and digital platforms to amplify its message and mobilize support. From Twitter storms to WhatsApp campaigns, the party’s online presence was ubiquitous, enabling it to reach voters across geographical and demographic divides.
Driving Economic Prosperity
The Modi government’s economic agenda has focused on catalyzing growth, fostering innovation and ensuring fiscal discipline. Through a combination of structural reforms and targeted initiatives, India has achieved significant milestones in economic development. The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) stands out as a watershed moment, simplifying the tax regime and promoting ease of doing business. Additionally, initiatives such as “Make in India,” aimed at boosting manufacturing, and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), designed to streamline the resolution of insolvent firms, have laid the groundwork for a more competitive and resilient economy.
The government’s focus on infrastructure development, digitalization and skill enhancement is expected to drive productivity gains and foster inclusive growth. Initiatives like the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India) are poised to unlock new opportunities and propel India towards becoming a global economic powerhouse. Modi’s leadership has been instrumental in steering India towards economic prosperity in becoming a $5 trillion economy.
Infrastructure Revolution
The government’s ambitious agenda has led to the launch and completion of several transformative infrastructure projects, marking a new era of progress and opportunity for the nation. From flagship initiatives like the Bharatmala Pariyojana and Sagarmala to rural development schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure has been unwavering. Significant strides have been made in enhancing connectivity through roads, railways, ports and airports. The construction of new highways, expansion of railway networks, modernization of ports and development of world-class airports have facilitated smoother movement of goods and people, boosting trade, tourism and economic activity.
Pioneering Digital Revolution
The Digital India Initiative launched in 2015, aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Through initiatives like BharatNet, which aims to provide broadband connectivity to every village, and the National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN), significant progress has been made in expanding digital infrastructure and internet penetration. Modi’s government has achieved remarkable success in enhancing digital infrastructure, increasing internet penetration, and promoting e-governance. Initiatives such as the Aadhaar-based services and the MyGov platform have facilitated efficient delivery of government services and improved transparency. Moreover, India’s mobile internet users have surged, with affordable data plans and widespread smartphone adoption driving digital inclusion. With initiatives like the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) and the National AI Mission, the government aims to harness emerging technologies to address societal challenges and drive economic growth. Investments in research and development, coupled with policies that foster entrepreneurship and innovation, are expected to propel India’s digital ecosystem to new heights.
Commitment to Inclusive Development
The government has rolled out a plethora of social welfare schemes targeting various segments of the population. Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and Ayushman Bharat have been instrumental in providing financial inclusion, clean cooking fuel and healthcare coverage to millions of underserved individuals.
Modi’s tenure has witnessed significant achievements in key areas such as healthcare, sanitation and financial inclusion. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, touted as the world’s largest healthcare program, has provided insurance coverage to over 500 million people, offering access to quality healthcare services. Additionally, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has led to significant improvements in sanitation and hygiene, positively impacting the health and well-being of communities. Furthermore, financial inclusion initiatives like PMJDY have facilitated access to banking services for the unbanked population, promoting financial literacy and empowerment. With a commitment to leaving no one behind, the government aims to build upon past achievements and address remaining challenges such as poverty, unemployment and social inequality. Initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and the National Nutrition Mission demonstrate the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of every Indian, ensuring inclusive growth and development for all segments of society.
As we unravel the complexities of India’s democratic tapestry leading up to the 2024 General Elections, it becomes apparent that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stands as a formidable contender poised for significant influence. Guided by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP has adeptly navigated the political landscape, championing a narrative of progress, unity and national pride. As the electoral drama unfolds, only time will reveal the ultimate verdict of the electorate. Will the BJP succeed in securing another mandate, or will the winds of change usher in a new chapter in India’s political narrative? The answer lies in the hands of millions of voters across the nation, as they cast their ballots and shape the destiny of the world’s largest democracy.
Author: Pooja Paswan an alumni of John.F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, India. She has Ph. D in Public Administration and specializes in Public Policy. She was recipient of the ASPA 2019 Founders Fellow. She has worked extensively in the area of development administration and policy. She can be reached at https://jmi.academia.edu/PoojaPaswan and [email protected]. Twitter @poojapaswan
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