Thu Dec 26 16:15:13 UTC 2024: ## Modi Wins Historic Third Term as Divided Opposition Faces Setbacks

**New Delhi, December 26, 2024** – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a historic third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, despite winning a reduced majority of 240 seats. The Opposition, hampered by internal divisions and significant setbacks, failed to prevent Modi’s re-election.

The year witnessed a tumultuous journey for the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) coalition. Early divisions were evident in the response to the Ram Mandir consecration, with some parties attending while others boycotted the event. Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, while boosting Congress’s connect with the public, failed to fully unite the Opposition. Several parties expressed disapproval of the Yatra, and the JDU even rejoined the BJP-led NDA.

The INDIA bloc faced numerous challenges, including the arrests of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren on corruption charges, and the Election Commission’s recognition of rival factions as the genuine Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections also dealt a blow to the Opposition.

The Lok Sabha campaign saw Congress contest a record-low number of seats, relying on regional parties. While this strategy limited BJP gains in some states like West Bengal and Maharashtra, it wasn’t enough to overcome the BJP’s substantial lead.

Post-election, state assembly elections yielded mixed results for the INDIA coalition. While they secured victories in Jammu & Kashmir and Jharkhand, BJP retained power in Haryana and achieved a landslide win in Maharashtra, boosted by their “Ladki Bahin” scheme.

The post-election parliamentary sessions have been marked by frequent disruptions and protests from the Opposition, focusing on issues ranging from the Adani group controversy to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the “One Nation, One Election” bills. The election of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to the Lok Sabha further intensified the political landscape. Despite the setbacks, Rahul Gandhi was elected Leader of the Opposition, signaling the continued presence of a strong opposition voice in Parliament.

Read More