New Delhi – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to form its third consecutive Union government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi this weekend. However, the Lok Sabha Election results of 2024 were unexpected, with the NDA falling short of the 300-seat mark, securing only 240 seats 32 short of a majority in the 543-member Lower House of Parliament.
This outcome contradicted many exit polls predicting a decisive win for the NDA. The only accurate prediction came from Yogendra Yadav, the convenor of Bharat Jodo Abhiyan, who anticipated the BJP would finish below 250 seats.
Character of Modi 3.0
In an exclusive interview, Yogendra Yadav elaborated on the significance of the election results and the future of the Modi 3.0 government. Yadav emphasized that while the NDA has the constitutional right to form the government, the reduced seat count represents a moral defeat for the BJP.
“Mr. Modi’s victory in 2014 marked the first clear majority for a political party in three decades, followed by an even stronger mandate in 2019. However, the 2024 results show a decline, which is a significant moral setback for the BJP,” said Yadav.
Strengthening Democratic Balance
Yogendra Yadav highlighted that the new coalition government would likely experience more debates and opposition within Parliament, improving democratic processes. He pointed out that coalition governments are not inherently unstable and can foster necessary checks and balances in a democracy.
“The coalition includes partners like JDU and TDP, which are not ideologically aligned with the BJP’s narrative. This is beneficial as it prevents any single party from steamrolling over others and ensures diverse viewpoints are considered,” he explained.
Yogendra ji noted two key positives from the election results: the reaffirmation of the integrity of the polling process and the BJP’s increased presence in South India, which helps reduce regional polarization.
Performance of the INDIA Bloc
The opposition alliance, INDIA bloc, secured 234 seats. Despite the challenges, including raids on opposition leaders and arrests of key figures, the bloc’s performance was commendable. However, Yadav cautioned against complacency and stressed the need for a joint agenda and better synergy among opposition parties.
Road Ahead
With upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand, the INDIA bloc has opportunities to strengthen its position. Yadav also emphasized the importance of the coalition aligning itself with the needs of marginalized communities.
Yogendra ji observed a consistent decline in BJP’s vote share outside the coastal belt from Kerala to Odisha, attributing it to the public’s fatigue with the party’s polarizing politics. He stressed that people are demanding accountability on everyday issues like inflation and unemployment, where the BJP’s performance has been lacking.
Future of NDA in Modi 3.0
Yogendra Yadav predicted that the presence of coalition partners would prevent the BJP from implementing sweeping changes unilaterally. He highlighted the importance of thorough debates on significant issues like the One Nation One Election proposal and delimitation.
In conclusion, Yogendra Yadav believes the Modi 3.0 coalition government, despite its reduced majority, will enhance democratic discourse and ensure a more balanced and accountable governance.
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