India's 2024 Lok Sabha elections, conducted from 19 April to 1 June 2024 in seven phases, marked a pivotal moment in the country's democratic journey. This mammoth electoral exercise was the largest in history, surpassing the previous records and lasted 44 days, second only to the 1951–52 Indian general election. The results were announced on 4 June 2024, revealing significant shifts in the political landscape.
Record-Breaking Voter Turnout
Out of a population of 1.4 billion, more than 968 million people were eligible to vote, making up 70% of the total population. A remarkable 64.2 crore (642 million) voters exercised their franchise, including an unprecedented 31.2 crore (312 million) women voters, highlighting the highest ever participation by women in the country's electoral history.
Simultaneously, legislative assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim, as well as by-elections for 25 constituencies in 12 legislative assemblies, were also conducted, adding to the overall electoral fervor.
Major Parties and Alliances
National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
The NDA, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is a big tent, mostly center-right to right-wing political alliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, having completed his second term, ran for a third consecutive term. Despite facing criticism for not addressing hate speeches by BJP members, reported Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) malfunctions, and alleged suppression of political opponents, the NDA secured 292 of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha.
Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA)
The opposition alliance, INDIA, emerged as a formidable force against the NDA. Comprised of several national parties, including the Indian National Congress (INC), Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), National People's Party (NPP), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the alliance presented a united front to challenge the incumbent government.
Election Highlights and Criticisms
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections were not without controversy. Criticisms were directed at the BJP for the lack of action on hate speeches and the alleged suppression of political opponents. Additionally, there were numerous reports of EVM malfunctioning, which raised concerns about the integrity of the voting process. Despite these challenges, the election proceeded smoothly overall, reflecting the resilience of India's democratic institutions.
Key Takeaways from the Results
While the NDA managed to secure a plurality with 292 seats, it lost its outright majority, signaling a shift in the political dynamics. The opposition's better-than-expected performance indicated a growing discontent with the ruling coalition and a desire for change among the electorate.
Women's Participation
The record participation of women voters was a significant highlight of the 2024 elections. With 312 million women casting their votes, the election underscored the increasing political engagement and empowerment of women in India.
Youth and First-Time Voters
The 2024 elections also saw a surge in participation from youth and first-time voters. This demographic played a crucial role in shaping the election results, reflecting their aspirations and demands for the future of the country.
Looking Ahead
As India moves forward, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be remembered for their unprecedented scale, high voter turnout, and the emergence of new political dynamics. The results have set the stage for a vibrant and competitive political environment, where the voices of millions continue to shape the nation's destiny.
The 2024 election results highlight the vibrancy of Indian democracy and the dynamic nature of its political landscape. As the country looks ahead, the focus will be on how the newly elected government addresses the pressing issues and aspirations of its diverse population
