The 2024 Indian general election is centred around several key issues and campaign promises made by major political parties. Here are some of the primary concerns and pledges that are shaping the electoral landscape:
Key Issues and Campaigns
Economic Policies
Economic growth, job creation, and inflation are at the forefront of voter concerns. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has promised to expand the economy to $5 trillion by 2027 and aims to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. Their manifesto highlights a focus on investment-driven job creation, enhancing infrastructure, and maintaining fiscal prudence to control inflation.
The Indian National Congress (INC), headed by Rahul Gandhi, is likely to focus on inclusive economic policies aimed at reducing unemployment and supporting small businesses. They criticize the BJP’s economic management, highlighting issues such as rising prices and inadequate job growth
Social Issues and Welfare Programs
Social welfare remains a critical area, with both parties proposing extensive welfare programs. The BJP has emphasized “new welfarism,” which includes direct benefit transfers for subsidies on essentials like electricity, housing, and cooking gas. They have also promised to extend free health insurance to all citizens over 70 years old and continue the provision of free grain to 800 million people until 2029.
The INC is expected to advocate for strengthening social justice and welfare schemes, targeting poverty alleviation and addressing caste-based inequalities. Their focus includes better educational and health facilities for marginalized communities.
National Security and Foreign Policy
National security is a pivotal issue, with the BJP pledging to maintain a strong stance against terrorism and enhance defence capabilities. Modi’s administration has highlighted its handling of security challenges, including border security and counter-terrorism measures.
The INC is likely to critique the BJP’s approach, arguing for a balanced foreign policy that improves international relations while addressing internal security issues through community engagement and intelligence reforms.
Environmental and Climate Policies
Environmental sustainability and climate change are increasingly critical issues. The BJP has committed to expanding renewable energy and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. They also aim to enhance infrastructure resilience against extreme weather events
The INC plans to push for more aggressive climate action, criticizing the BJP for inadequate environmental protections and excessive reliance on coal. Their proposals include stricter regulations on pollution and more significant investments in green technologies.
Predictions and Analysis for General Elections 2024
India held the second phase of the world’s biggest election on Friday, marked by intense accusations of religious discrimination and threats to democracy from both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his rivals. The election process, which began on April 19 and will conclude on June 1, involves nearly a billion eligible voters, with results set to be counted on June 4. Modi is vying for a record-equalling third consecutive term, relying on his economic record, welfare measures, national pride, Hindu nationalism, and personal popularity. Polls suggest that Modi is likely to secure a comfortable majority.
Potential Outcomes and Scenarios
Surveys indicate strong support for Modi, predicting an easy win for him and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, voter turnout in the second phase was lower than expected, at 61%, compared to 65% in the first phase and 68% five years ago. This decline in turnout has raised concerns among the Election Commission and political parties, who attribute it to unseasonably hot weather and concurrent weddings.
Modi’s main challengers, a coalition of over two dozen parties, are campaigning on promises of greater affirmative action, more handouts, and an end to what they describe as Modi’s autocratic rule. The turnout decline could impact the election’s outcome, with analysts suggesting that Modi’s Hindu nationalist base may be exhibiting complacency or overconfidence. Despite this, some voters remain steadfast in their support for the BJP, while others criticize the party for creating religious divides.
Expert Opinions and Commentary
Political analysts note that no single issue seems strong enough to drive voter turnout significantly this time. This could be a result of complacency among Modi’s supporters or dissatisfaction with the current political discourse. Voters like Shree Hari S.S. from Bengaluru support the BJP to prevent perceived preferential treatment of Muslims by Congress. In contrast, Sokin Qureshi from Mathura criticizes the BJP for shifting focus from pressing issues like unemployment and rising prices to religious divides.
Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure from Congress, emphasized the unprecedented nature of this election, accusing Modi of undermining India’s constitution and democracy. Gandhi is contesting from Wayanad in Kerala, facing strong opponents from the Communist Party of India and the BJP. Despite his significant victory in Wayanad in 2019, Gandhi lost in Amethi, a traditional stronghold of his family. Congress, which has been struggling nationally, is hoping to perform better in Karnataka this year after recent successes in state elections.
Modi, confident in his party’s performance, expressed his satisfaction with the support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after the second phase of voting, predicting disappointment for the opposition.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About The Ongoing General Elections’24 | Part I
