These elections were the response to those who hatched conspiracies against the Modi government for election rigging. It is a win for the BJP and democracy, proven by conducting fair and transparent parliamentary elections.
As India’s 2024 general elections unfolded, the world’s largest democracy demonstrated its unwavering commitment to free and fair elections, even in the face of scepticism and speculation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faced accusations that they might manipulate the electoral process to maintain their political dominance. However, the conduct and results of these elections have unequivocally affirmed the integrity of India’s democratic processes under Modi’s leadership.
In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, critics argued that the BJP might use underhanded tactics to secure an unassailable majority. Allegations ranged from potential tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs) to orchestrating voter intimidation and suppression. These claims painted a bleak picture of India’s electoral future under the BJP. Yet, the actual outcome of the elections presented a stark contrast to these fears. Despite the BJP emerging as the largest party in the 2024 elections, it did not secure an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament. The BJP won 264 seats, just shy of the 272 needed to form a government independently. Rather than manipulating the process to achieve a majority, the BJP opted to form a coalition government with allied regional parties. This move not only disproved the allegations of rigging but also underscored the democratic will of the electorate.
The Modi government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) have undertaken extensive measures to ensure the integrity of the 2024 electoral process. These elections were subject to rigorous scrutiny from both domestic and international observers, who consistently affirmed their transparency and fairness. A cornerstone of these fair elections has been the unwavering independence and authority of the ECI. This autonomous body is responsible for overseeing elections across India and has consistently upheld its commitment to neutrality and fairness. Throughout the 2024 elections, the ECI enforced strict codes of conduct and ensured compliance from all political entities, reflecting its ability to operate free from political pressure. Approximately 11 million personnel, including security forces and electoral staff, were mobilized to facilitate the elections, highlighting the scale and complexity of managing such a vast democratic exercise.
Technological innovation has been pivotal in enhancing the transparency and efficiency of the electoral process. Under the Modi administration, the ECI continued to leverage technology to strengthen the integrity of elections. EVMs, integral to Indian elections for over two decades, were further secured with advanced encryption and real-time monitoring capabilities in 2024. These measures ensured accurate and efficient vote counting. The Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system, used alongside EVMs, allowed voters to confirm their vote through a printed slip, significantly increasing voter confidence and transparency. The installation of CCTV cameras at polling stations provided real-time monitoring and recording of electoral activities, deterring potential misconduct and maintaining the sanctity of the voting process.
The Modi government has made substantial efforts to make the electoral process more accessible and inclusive. Extensive campaigns were launched to educate citizens about their voting rights and the importance of their participation. Initiatives like the “Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation” (SVEEP) played a crucial role in raising awareness about the electoral process, ensuring that every citizen was informed and empowered to vote. Special provisions were made to cater to diverse voter groups, including separate polling booths for women, accessible facilities for differently-abled individuals, and mobile polling stations for remote areas. These measures facilitated broad voter participation.
Conducting elections in sensitive regions such as Jammu and Kashmir has always been challenging due to historical tensions and security concerns. In 2024, the Modi government, in collaboration with the ECI, took extensive measures to ensure that elections in these areas were peaceful and fair. Enhanced security protocols were implemented to protect polling stations and voters from potential disruptions, ensuring the electoral process was not marred by violence or intimidation. Despite the challenges, voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir was notable, reflecting the people’s faith in the democratic process and the government’s ability to conduct fair elections.
The resilience of India’s democratic institutions and bureaucracy has been instrumental in upholding electoral integrity. Senior civil servants and officials worked impartially to administer the electoral process, ensuring it remained free from political influence. The bureaucracy’s commitment to neutrality was crucial in executing the ECI’s directives and maintaining the integrity of the elections. The robustness of India’s institutions ensured that no political party could unduly influence the electoral outcome, preserving the core principles of democracy.
The narrative that the BJP, under Modi’s leadership, would rig the 2024 elections and prevent other parties from winning has been thoroughly disproven. The Modi government, in partnership with the Election Commission of India, conducted elections that stand as a testament to India’s democratic values. Through the integration of modern technology, comprehensive voter education, and unwavering institutional integrity, India continues to uphold the sanctity of its electoral process. The 2024 elections have not only demonstrated transparency and fairness but have also reinforced the strength and resilience of Indian democracy under Modi’s leadership.
vaizzargar@rediffmail.com