India’s Political Landscape After Loksabha 2024: Surprises and Shifts

India recently concluded its extensive six-week-long election, culminating in the tally of all 640 million votes cast, marking the largest democratic exercise in both world and historical contexts. The results have unveiled significant shifts in the political scenario.

BJP Falls Short of Majority, But Secures Alliance

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, clinched 240 seats, below the 272-seat threshold for a Lok Sabha majority. However, in coalition with its allies, the BJP secured a comfortable majority with 283 seats. In contrast, the opposition INDIA alliance, led by the Indian National Congress party, secured 223 seats.

Political Tremors Reshape Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh (UP), a crucial state with 80 parliamentary constituencies, witnessed a noteworthy transformation. In the 2019 elections, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) dominated with 64 seats, out of which the BJP alone secured 62. However, the 2024 outcome depicted a significant shift. The Samajwadi Party (SP) secured 37 seats, bolstering the INDIA alliance to a total of 43 seats, while the BJP, despite its hold, saw a decline in its influence, winning only 33 seats.

West Bengal: Trinamool Maintains Hold

West Bengal, governed by the All India Trinamool Congress party (TMC), showcased unexpected results. Contrary to exit poll predictions, the TMC retained its dominance by securing 29 seats, with the BJP trailing at 12 seats.

Kerala: BJP Breaks Historical Barrier

In Kerala, a traditional stronghold of the left, the BJP made history with Suresh Gopi becoming its first Lok Sabha parliamentarian, winning by a significant margin in the Thrissur constituency. The Congress, however, retained its foothold with 14 seats.

Maharashtra: BJP’s Losses and the ‘Politics of Humiliation’

The BJP faced setbacks in Maharashtra as the opposition INDIA alliance made substantial gains. Winning only nine seats against the INDIA alliance’s 30, the BJP’s decline was attributed to its divisive tactics and perceived politics of humiliation.

Karnataka: BJP’s Resilience Amidst Erosion

Despite predictions, the BJP’s stronghold in Karnataka remained formidable. While winning fewer seats compared to 2019, the BJP still emerged as the dominant force, securing 17 seats.

India’s political landscape reflects a complex interplay of alliances, regional dynamics, and shifting voter sentiments, demonstrating the vibrancy of its democratic process.