India since its independence in 1947 has held general elections (Lok Sabha) every five years except in mid 1970,1990 due to varied reasons.
Lok Sabha elections in 2024 were the third elections where Narendra Modi of BJP was the PM candidate. In India’s electoral history Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Gandhi were the only other individuals that either won or were in the electoral arena at least three or more times. Though a key difference between Nehru, Indira on one hand and Modi on other is that father daughter duo led or rather owned Congress party as if it were their personal asset.Whereas Modi has been un disputed PM candidate of BJP for three general elections however BJP is not a political party that one single person can treat or run as its own personal setup.
2024 elections by any yardstick was a critical one for many reasons; continuity of policies, rapid rate of infrastructure development , no scams at cabinet level (doesn’t mean India is corruption free), entire cabinet working in unison for development of country rather than at odds as was seen in every single Congress government especially from 2004-2014.
Going into elections opinion pollsters, BJP and perhaps most of the electorate except diehard Congress supporters thought that BJP will repeat its 2014 or 2019 numerical performance in terms of number of Lok Sabha seats they will win. Perhaps it was mix of arrogance, there is no other alternative or maybe just plain belief that BJP thought it will have easy sailing. However as always in electoral politics it is never over until voter has had the final say. And, I believe, the voter did send a message not only to BJP but every other political party itching to wrest power from BJP. That message was yes they do want to see India continue on the track Modi has put it on however at the same time not give BJP and by that virtue Modi another absolute numerical majority.
Almost 8 months since 2024 election PM Modi has not only continued his laser focus on 360 degree development of India but has as the foremost political leader in the country redeemed BJP’s as well as his standing by winning some state elections since then.