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Our country is often called the mother of democracy, upholding the fundamental principles of secularism, brotherhood, and other fundamental rights, including the right to vote and choose our leaders. The year 2024 might have been just another year for the world, but for India, it was a festival of democracy, the General Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The people of India were once again ready to cast their votes and choose their Prime Minister. When all the rounds of voting across the country were done, everyone was eagerly awaiting June 4th, the result day.
A unique dynamic of this year’s election was that almost all other parties, whether regional or national, united under one umbrella to challenge the BJP and specifically Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This alliance was named I.N.D.I.A (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance). On June 4th, many anticipated a loss for the BJP due to the formidable alliance against it. However, when the results were announced, the BJP won over 240 seats, with the Congress securing only 99 seats. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a total of 293 seats, while the I.N.D.I.A managed to win 234 seats. On June 9th, Narendra Modi took the oath for a third consecutive term as Prime Minister. This outcome sparked a significant question in the hearts of many: why did the people of India choose Modi again as their PM? In this article, I will outline the facts and figures that I believe contributed to Modi’s re-election as Prime Minister of India.
Before delving into why Modi was re-elected as the Prime Minister, it is important to highlight why the people of India did not choose the Congress or its alliance, UPA. Firstly, Congress has shown inconsistencies in its stance on critical issues. For instance, the party demanded Indian citizenship for Bangladeshi minorities, which includes Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs. However, they protested against PM Modi’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which aimed to deliver precisely this. This contradiction created confusion and scepticism among the electorate. Secondly, Congress has often expressed doubts about significant national security operations. They questioned the authenticity of the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian armed forces, yet claimed to valorise and support the military. This perceived lack of trust in the armed forces’ capabilities and actions did not sit well with many voters who prioritize national security. Additionally, Congress has shown inconsistency in its stance towards the Election Commission and the electronic voting machines (EVMs). The party has repeatedly cast aspersions on the credibility of EVMs, yet it runs multiple state governments that were elected through the same process. This inconsistency undermines their criticism and portrays a lack of coherent policy. Moreover, Congress has been vocal in its criticism of industrialist Gautam Adani, accusing him of benefiting unduly from government policies. However, their own state governments in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh are currently pursuing Adani projects worth ₹85,000 crores. This apparent hypocrisy has further eroded the party’s credibility. In addition to these factors, the Congress party has struggled with internal leadership issues and a lack of a coherent vision for the future. The leadership vacuum and internal dissent have made it difficult for the party to present a united and compelling alternative to the electorate.
Now, I will highlight the developmental projects undertaken during the Modi government, which I believe played a significant role in swaying the electorate and led to Modi being sworn in for a third consecutive term as the Prime Minister of our great nation. During the ten years of PM Modi’s tenure, almost 14 crore toilets were installed, helping to make various villages Open defecation-free (ODF). This initiative, though seemingly small, had a profound impact. Firstly, it significantly curbed bacterial and viral infections caused by open defecation. Secondly, it reduced pollution related to this practice. In terms of institutional development, the Modi government saw the inauguration of 15 new AIIMS, more than 200 medical colleges, and over 16 IIT colleges. Let’s compare and contrast the state of infrastructure in 2014 and 2024. In 2014, India had 74 airports; today, that number has doubled to 150. The number of cities with metro trains has increased from 5 in 2014 to 20 in 2024. The number of medical colleges has surged from 384 in 2014 to over 700 in 2024. AIIMS institutions have increased from a mere 7 in 2014 to 22 today. In higher education, the number of universities has grown from 400 in 2014 to 1,100 in 2024. The length of national highways has expanded from 90,000 km in 2014 to 1.5 lakh km in 2024. Additionally, 3,75,000 km of rural roads have been constructed, up from 3,20,000 km in 2014. Speed and connectivity have also seen remarkable improvements. In 2014, there were no Vande Bharat trains, and today, we have 41. Electrification of railway tracks has reached nearly 100%, compared to just 20 km of electrified tracks in 2014. Economically, India’s transformation has been significant. In 2014, the country was considered an unbalanced and unstable economy. As of 2024, under Modi’s leadership, India has emerged as the world’s 5th largest economy and is projected to become the third largest soon.
Some More Points at Glance:
Economic Development and Reforms: One of the key reasons behind Modi’s continued popularity is his focus on economic development and structural reforms. Initiatives like ‘Make in India,’ ‘Digital India,’ and ‘Startup India’ have aimed to boost manufacturing, digitize the economy, and encourage entrepreneurship. These programs have created jobs and fostered innovation, resonating with a large segment of the population.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: Under Modi’s leadership, there has been a significant push towards improving infrastructure. Projects such as the construction of highways, rural roads, and new airports have enhanced connectivity across the country. The ambitious ‘Smart Cities Mission’ also aims to develop urban centers with modern amenities and efficient public services.
Social Welfare Schemes: Modi’s government has launched numerous social welfare schemes aimed at improving the lives of the underprivileged. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (financial inclusion), Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (cleanliness drive), and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (providing LPG connections) have had a direct impact on millions of households, earning the trust and support of the beneficiaries.
National Security and Foreign Policy: Modi’s strong stance on national security and his proactive foreign policy have also contributed to his popularity. His efforts to enhance India’s defence capabilities and his strategic diplomatic engagements have projected India as a rising global power. This approach has appealed to voters who prioritize national security and international stature.
Charismatic Leadership and Communication: Modi’s charismatic leadership and effective communication skills have played a crucial role in his sustained appeal. His ability to connect with the masses through platforms like ‘Mann Ki Baat’ and his presence on social media have allowed him to reach out to a broad audience, effectively conveying his vision and achievements.
I believe Modi is a global leader, and no one else could run this country better if we compare and contrast his government with the Congress. During the Congress government, Indians witnessed numerous high-profile scams, including the 2G Scam, CWG Scam, Dewas Scam, Space Scam, Coal Scam, AgustaWestland Scam, and the National Herald Scam. These incidents undermined public trust and highlighted issues of corruption and mismanagement. In contrast, Modi’s India has been marked by significant achievements and initiatives. We have witnessed the successful Chandrayaan mission, showcasing India’s prowess in space exploration. The emphasis on ‘Nari Shakti’ (women empowerment) has brought greater attention and resources to gender equality and women’s rights. Additionally, there has been notable progress in maintaining peace and stability in Kashmir. In summary, a combination of economic initiatives, infrastructure development, social welfare schemes, strong national security measures, and effective leadership have contributed to Narendra Modi’s re-election. These factors, along with a strategic and well-organized campaign, helped the BJP and its allies secure another term in office.
The Writer is a student activist and can be reached at soulofkashmir1@gmail.com
