NEW DELHI (The Thursday Times) — A battle for India’s soul leaves the BJP vying for a third consecutive re-election bid in the Indian General Elections 2024. As India undergoes the second phase of what is billed as the world’s largest democratic exercise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a historic third term amidst a backdrop of rising communal rhetoric and concerns over diminishing voter engagement. The ongoing seven-phase general election, which kicked off on April 19 and will conclude on June 1, has seen almost 1 billion people eligible to vote, with results expected to be announced on June 4.
Central to this election is Narendra Modi, who has forever been a polarising figure in Indian politics. At a recent rally in Rajasthan, Modi delivered a speech that has been widely criticised for its Islamophobic undertones. Without directly naming the Muslim community, he accused the Congress party—his main opposition—of favouring Muslims and planning to redistribute national wealth based on religious lines. Modi’s narrative builds on the perceived threats from what his party terms as “infiltrators” and invokes the concept of the “Great Replacement,” echoing themes similar to those in Western nationalist discourses.
This approach is consistent with Modi’s broader strategy that leans heavily on Hindu nationalism, coupled with his government’s economic policies and welfare measures aimed at cementing a personal and nationalistic appeal among voters. However, this strategy has also deepened communal divisions, with Modi and the BJP facing accusations of undermining secular principles and promoting an exclusionary Hindu identity.
The second phase of voting, which occurred recently, covered 88 of the 543 seats in the lower house of parliament across 13 states and territories, including key regions like Kerala, Karnataka, and Rajasthan. Despite the high stakes, voter turnout was reported at about 61%, a drop from both the previous week and from the same phase five years earlier. Analysts have suggested that the decrease in turnout might be due to unseasonably hot weather, local weddings, and possibly a sense of complacency or overconfidence among BJP’s staunchest supporters.
Security was tight, particularly in sensitive areas, reflecting the tense atmosphere that has accompanied this election cycle. The BJP’s campaign has been marked by a combative tone, not only from Modi but also from other high-profile leaders like Amit Shah, who have not shied away from using harsh rhetoric targeting illegal immigrants and other minority groups.
Facing Modi is a coalition of more than two dozen parties, led by the Congress party, which has positioned itself as a defender of secularism and inclusivity. The opposition has promised to roll back what they describe as Modi’s autocratic tendencies and to enhance welfare measures. Despite their efforts, the opposition has struggled to present a united front, hampered by internal dissent and a lack of a coherent alternative vision.
Congress, in particular, is still recovering from a series of electoral defeats and is aiming to improve its standing, especially in states like Karnataka where it has recently seen some success. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent face of the Congress, has been vocal about the stakes of this election, framing it as a fight for the soul of India’s democracy and constitutional integrity.
Issues at the forefront—communal harmony, economic management, and the role of nationalism in public life—are shaping a pivotal moment in India’s democratic journey. Modi’s aggressive campaign tactics and the opposition’s counter-narratives highlight a deeply polarised electorate, making this election not just a political contest but a referendum on India’s future direction.
