Mubashir Nadeem
India, the world’s largest democracy, is currently in the midst of its general elections, a significant event that occurs every five years. Spanning seven phases from April 11 to May 19, this year’s election is a pivotal moment for the country’s future. With a staggering population of over 1.3 billion, India boasts the world’s largest electorate, with nearly a billion individuals eligible to cast their votes. The outcome of this election will undoubtedly shape the nation’s trajectory, making it a topic of utmost importance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who came to power in 2014, is seeking re-election, and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the front-runner. Although a lot can happen in the six weeks before the last of the polls close, Modi is almost guaranteed to win a third term, according to most opinion polls. However, the BJP’s pre-election claim of being able to win 400 seats in the 543-seat Lok Sabha is still a massive exaggeration.
The BJP’s campaign has been focused on Modi’s leadership and his achievements in the past five years, such as the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) financial inclusion scheme. However, the opposition has accused the BJP of neglecting real issues such as unemployment, inflation, and economic mismanagement.
The BJP’s Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) agenda has also been a significant issue in this election. The party’s recent politicking has reinvigorated its Hindu nationalist base, but it has also been criticized for its divisive and communal rhetoric. Reports suggest that this focus on religious and communal issues has turned off independent voters who previously supported Modi because they believed he was better on the economy and foreign policy.
Meanwhile, the opposition parties, led by the Indian National Congress, have tried to put on a united face and draw attention to Modi’s failure to talk about real issues. However, the BJP has largely maintained enough support to cruise to victory. The party has also been accused of manipulating the system to its advantage. The BJP has eliminated neutrality from the election commission, weaponized the tax department, and arrested almost 150 opposition leaders on trumped-up charges.
Democracy activists are rallying young Indians to vote with their hearts, recognizing that this could be a pivotal moment. The state of Indian democracy is a concern, with the BJP’s growing influence over the country’s political institutions. However, the focus of western powers on the Indian market and its role as a counterbalance to China has overshadowed these concerns. It’s crucial for young Indians to understand their role in shaping the future of their country and to exercise their democratic rights by voting.
Concludingly, this election is not just a political event, but a crucial moment for India’s democracy. The outcome will not just be a change in leadership, but a shift in the very fabric of the nation. While the BJP is the front-runner, there are serious concerns about the state of Indian democracy, and the opposition parties have accused the BJP of neglecting real issues and manipulating the system to its advantage. Regardless of the outcome, it is not just important, but essential for young Indians to exercise their democratic rights and vote with their hearts, for their vote could be the one that makes a difference.
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