Celebrating democracy in the “Newest” Bharat

With the election over, it’s time for team building and restoring trust across political alliances

With the election over, it’s time for team building and restoring trust across political alliances
With the election over, it’s time for team building and restoring trust across political alliances

Joy and disappointment in equal measure

Watching Bharat’s election results live on June 4 was initially shocking. It was disappointing to see the scoreboard for BJP, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where BJP numbers lagged behind the Samajwadi Party (SP). The Congress party scored 99 seats, more than anticipated. Despite this, we must respect the mandate of the people of Bharat, accept the outcome, and celebrate our democracy.

Despite changes in the political landscape, humbled Narendra Modi remains a constant. He will be sworn in on June 9 for a third term as Prime Minister, marking a triumph for Bharat’s democracy and hope for continued development in a divided nation.

BJP began emerging as a national party in the 1990s, challenging the then-dominant Congress party. Since then, most governments have formed alliances with other parties, some completing full terms and others not. Over the past ten years, Modi governed under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) banner and will do the same in 2024.

What’s different in 2024?

The opposition formed a pre-election I.N.D.I Alliance to defeat Modi, but it fell short, winning only 234 seats—far less than the 272 needed to form a government. They unsuccessfully tried to lure some NDA partners.

Now, I.N.D.I. Alliance partners question if Modi can survive the next five years without a BJP majority. They doubt his political acumen, principled lifestyle, calm yet decisive personality, and ability to govern under challenging circumstances. They overlook that Modi conducted more public campaigns, roadshows, and media interviews than all I.N.D.I leaders combined. His stamina and dedication to Bharat are unmatched.

Reviewing the numbers, BJP secured 240 seats, making it the largest party, and NDA got 292. In contrast, Congress’s total seats from 2014 (44), 2019 (52), and 2024 (99) add up to less than 200. Despite this, Congress deserves credit for steady growth.

Ironically, the BJP received 6.9 million more votes than in 2019 but won 63 fewer seats. This strange combination of more votes but fewer seats is shocking.

The I.N.D.I. Alliance, if united, will be led by two Shahzada– Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav. Both, with vested interests, have risen due to family history, avoiding adversity, and believing in Parivar-vad and Jati-vad over national unity. Their combined political, people, and policy experience is no match for Modi’s.

Let us hope the I.N.D.I. Alliance leads constructively in parliamentary debates for nation-building and stronger democracy. The Leader of the Opposition, likely Rahul Gandhi, should avoid opposing for the opposition’s sake due to his dislike for Modi.

Looking ahead

Prime Minister-designate Modi, in his June 7 address to NDA, outlined his agenda, emphasizing ‘nation first.’ He aims for unanimity in government decisions, focusing on good governance, development, quality of life, and minimal interference in citizens’ lives. He concluded with a commitment to ‘one life, one mission‘—respecting ‘Mother India‘ and elevating the country.

With the election over, it’s time for team building and restoring trust across political alliances. Together, we can build a prosperous nation, uphold unity in diversity, and strive for a developed Bharat by 2047. Who wouldn’t want Bharat to become the third-largest economy in three years, respected globally and asserting values like Vaisudhaiva Kutumbkam?

It’s time to celebrate the will of the people of Bharat, who exercised their right to vote despite challenging temperatures. About two-thirds of eligible voters participated, giving the mandate to NDA under Modi’s leadership. We must respect their will and not disappoint them despite political differences.

As the new beginning for Bharat with Modi 3.0, there are opportunities for:

  • Modi to introspect on when and why he became overconfident and emphasized ‘I‘ over ‘We.’
  • Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi to remain humble and focused, deeply introspecting their weaknesses and strengths if they wish to return to power in 2029.
  • BJP to analyze missteps in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Rajasthan—whether due to apathy, complacency, RSS differences, overemphasis on Hindutva, or unrealistic promises.
  • Pollsters and media to understand why every prediction was incorrect and who they were consulting.

Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

Vijendra Agarwal, born in village Kota (Saharanpur, U.P), left India in 1973 after Ph.D. (Physics) from IIT Roorkee. He is currently a member of project GNARUS, a syndicated service and writers collective. He and his wife co-founded a US-based NGO, Vidya Gyan, to serve rural India toward better education and health of children, especially empowerment of girls. Vidya Gyan is a calling to give back to rural communities and keeping connected to his roots which gave him so much more. His passion for writing includes the interface of policy, politics, and people, and social/cultural activities promoting community engagement.

Formerly, a researcher in Italy, Japan, and France, he has widely travelled and came to the US in 1978. He was a faculty and academic administrator in several different universities in PA, TX, NJ, MN, WI, and NY, and an Executive Fellow in the White House S&T Policy during the Clinton administration.
Vijendra Agarwal

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here