REVISITING JUNE 4, 2024

People are yet to realize the aftermath of election results. The most awaited saga unfolded to the surprise of most of the media houses and the research agencies opposite to their expectations. The mockery of exit polls has made clear that from here on, the so-called political consultants and the research agencies involved in exit polls have to seriously go back to their board rooms and relearn methodologies & processes.

Though no denying the fact, a few media houses and selective agencies did predict the polls with an error margin of 5-10 percentage which is commendable. To know the pulse of the people, you have to be among them, interacting with them and trying to listen to them rather than blabbering what we think is right.

The outcome of the 18th general election shows BJP fell short (got 240) of an absolute majority (272) in the Lok Sabha but the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which the BJP leads, has won a majority with 290 seats approx. Interestingly, the two NDA partners, the JD(U) in Bihar and the TDP in Andhra Pradesh, which have won 12 and 16 Lok Sabha seats respectively, becoming king makers. Yes, we can assert the phenomena of Kingmaker is back. It also reflects that the new government will have to respect all communities and religions. The results have clearly indicated that the communal polarization henceforth will not be tolerated.

On the other hand, INC emerging as the second largest political party has signaled its return with a bang. Their focus on social-justice, support for poor and oppressed, employment for the youth, assistance to the women have resonated well among the masses. No Jumle- baazi, congress ka haath, aam admi ke saath, khata khat - khata khat connected with masses.

Parallelly, two important states also got assembly results. An assertive mandate by its populace. Andhra Pradesh (AP) reflected a big change. Having spent 3-4 months there, it was clearly evident that there are strong undercurrents waiting for a tsunami to happen. Tsunami did come and also brought TDP to the forefront of the democratic activity. The TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance has surpassed all poll expectations. Message is clear, people want development and employment. The biggest and the foremost challenge (post June 2, since Hyderabad ceased to exist as its capital) is to establish the state capital, develop administrative blocks & secretariat, dilapidated infrastructure reeling under pressure, needs immediate attention and employment measures for the youth.

Yes, there are challenges galore, but then you also have a visionary leader none other than "the Chandrababu Naidu" on the steering wheel. I am sure, none have forgotten his astounding work & exemplary leadership during the first tenure. The expectations are high, so is the unwavering support, love & affection for him and party along with Jana Sena - BJP as alliance partners.

Odisha verdict on the other hand did not come as a surprise to many. There were strong anti-incumbency sentiments. Controversies and widespread ire against V.K. Pandian, a former bureaucrat with significant influence in governance and party affairs, contributed to the BJD’s decline. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik faced electoral defeat in Kantabanji, one of the Assembly seats he contested from. This was his first electoral loss in 26 years. The BJD’s vote percentage dropped from 44.71% in 2019 to 40.13% in 2024, while the BJP’s vote surged from 32.4% to 39.93% during the same period.

Conclusion: The outcome of general assembly elections 2024 has been significant in more ways than one. It laid to rest the phobia around EVMs. The democratic fabric of the nation emerged much stronger when the entire world was watching us. The faith in our constituion grew much stronger than ever before. Lastly, Exit polls could not deter the spirit of aam admi. Yes, it did bring tremors to the stock market indicating the corporate connect and its influence in the political enviorns.

India has once again proved to itself and the world that it is a vibrant, functioning democracy with absolute faith in its constitution - the lifeline of its democracy.

Tractus.in Tractus TCPL