As India's general election draws to a close, all exit polls are predicting a clear victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance. If the polls are accurate, it would mark the third consecutive term for Mr. Modi, solidifying his position as a dominant leader. Interestingly, the Congress party, which previously held a record victory in the 1984 election, may see history repeat itself as it was also propelled by a wave of sympathy.
India's Political Landscape: Modi's Dominance and Congress' Resurgence
As India's 2024 general election approaches, exit polls have consistently predicted a resounding victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This potential outcome would signify Modi's third consecutive term, further cementing his status as a political behemoth.
Modi's Dominance and the Congress' Decline
Modi's BJP has been a formidable force in Indian politics since its election in 2014. Under his leadership, the party has employed a populist agenda, focusing on issues such as nationalism, economic development, and social welfare. This approach has resonated with voters, particularly in rural areas.
In contrast, the Congress party, once a dominant force in India, has faced challenges in recent years. The party has been plagued by corruption scandals and internal divisions. Its inability to adapt to the changing political landscape has contributed to its loss of support.
Historical Parallels: Indira Gandhi and the Congress
Interestingly, the current political situation bears striking similarities to the 1984 general election. That election saw a record-breaking victory for the Congress party, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Gandhi's victory was largely attributed to a wave of sympathy following the assassination of her son, Rajiv Gandhi.
If the Congress party triumphs in the upcoming election, it would be a historical repeat. The party's current resurgence is also fueled by sympathy, following the death of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's wife, Sonia Gandhi.
FAQs
1. Why is Narendra Modi so popular?
Narendra Modi's popularity stems from his perceived strength, his populist policies, and his ability to connect with the masses. He is seen as a strong leader who can restore India's glory and protect its interests.
2. What are the key issues in the upcoming election?
Major issues include economic development, job creation, inflation, corruption, and national security.
3. What are the chances of Congress winning the election?
While exit polls predict a victory for the BJP, it is important to note that these projections can be inaccurate. The Congress party has a strong organization and a significant base of support.
4. How similar is the current situation to the 1984 election?
Both elections are characterized by a wave of sympathy, with the Congress party potentially benefiting from the death of Sonia Gandhi.
5. What are the long-term implications of Modi's dominance?
Modi's prolonged tenure could lead to a further polarization of Indian society and a weakening of democratic institutions. It could also impact India's foreign policy and its role in international affairs.
Former Haryana Chief Minister and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar expresses confidence in the BJP's prospects in the Haryana Assembly elections, citing the significant voter turnout as a strong indicator of public support. He urges voters to exercise their right to vote and dismisses claims of opposition parties, emphasizing the importance of trusting the democratic process. Khattar also clarifies that Nayab Singh Saini would take over as Chief Minister if the BJP wins, continuing the party's leadership transition.
A traditional garba event in Indore, organized for the past 35 years, has been cancelled due to objections from right-wing groups who accused the organizer of promoting "love jihad". The controversy arose when a poster of one of the organizers, Firoz Khan, was put up in the city ahead of Navratri celebrations. The organizer has offered to leave the city for 10 days, while requesting permission for the Devi Pujan ceremonies to continue for nine days. This incident highlights the growing tensions and issues surrounding the concept of "love jihad" in India.
Royce White, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota, is facing backlash after a resurfaced 2022 post on social media in which he referred to the Allied forces as "bad guys" in World War II. He has been criticized for his remarks and is currently trailing behind Democratic incumbent Sen. Amy Klobuchar in polls. White defended his statement, claiming that he was referring to post-war reconstruction and globalist interests benefiting from the democratic order established after the war.
The highly anticipated assembly elections in Haryana are underway, with voters heading to the polls to determine the fate of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and other key candidates including Vinesh Phogat. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is seeking a third consecutive term, while the Congress is hoping to make a comeback after a decade. The state is also seeing intense competition from other parties such as AAP, INLD, BSP, JJP and Azad Samaj Party. Stay tuned to NDTV for live updates on the election results and follow the latest news from India and across the world.
In a bold move, Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal and three legislators, belonging to the Ajit Pawar faction of NCP, jumped off the third floor of the state secretariat building in Mumbai to oppose the demand for the Dhangar community's inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes category. Fortunately, they landed safely on a net installed in the building to prevent suicide attempts. Officials confirmed that none of them sustained any injuries. The incident was a part of a larger protest by tribal MLAs in the Mantralaya complex during a cabinet meeting, where Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis were present.
Amidst ongoing protests against the ST reservation demanded by the Dhangar community, Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal reportedly attempted to jump from the third floor of the state secretariat building. The NCP MLA landed safely on a safety net, along with two other tribal legislators who also jumped in protest. The Ajit Pawar faction leader and other tribal MLAs were demanding that Dhangars not be given ST reservation and instead be given services under the PESA Act. The situation remains tense as discussions on the issue continue.
A division bench of the Telangana High Court has formed a committee to review disqualification petitions filed against three Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders who defected to the Congress. The High Court has also declined to stay a single-judge order warning the State assembly speaker of further court proceedings if he does not decide on the petitions. The case raises the question of whether the High Court can order a speaker to decide on disqualification petitions within a fixed time frame.
With the Haryana state legislative assembly elections around the corner, the Chief Electoral Officer urges voters to ensure their names are included in the voter list. While a voter ID card is the most commonly used identity document, the ECI has prescribed 12 alternative options, including Aadhaar card and Indian passport, for those without one. The voter list is available online and through a helpline number, with registration being mandatory in order to cast a vote. The upcoming elections will see a competition between the BJP, who secured 40 seats in the 2019 elections, and Congress, who won 30 seats.
In a significant move towards preserving and promoting Indian languages, the Union Cabinet has approved the classical language status for five more languages - Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision and highlighted the government's efforts to conserve and promote the classical languages. This decision has been welcomed by many, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who expressed gratitude to the Centre for including Assamese in the list. This move is aimed at honoring the historical significance of these languages and nurturing a deeper understanding among the younger generations.
Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, known for his provocative sermons, is scheduled to deliver lectures in Pakistan from October 5 to October 20. His arrival at the invitation of the Pakistani government has sparked concern over the potential consequences of his extremist ideology on a nation already grappling with fundamentalism and religious tensions. Naik's past teachings have been linked to violent extremism, with militants citing his lectures as motivation for carrying out attacks. With the Pakistani government failing to address these issues, Naik's presence is poised to exacerbate societal divisions and pose a serious threat to the country's minorities.