Battle 2024
In the lead-up to the crucial 2024 elections in India, the political landscape is heating up. Every move made by politicians is now intricately tied to the forthcoming elections, scheduled for mid-2024, but with the possibility of an earlier date looming. The Opposition is actively pursuing unity, exemplified by the recent Mumbai conclave of the INDIA alliance, where discussions centered on seat-sharing and intensified attacks on Gautam Adani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a retaliatory move, the ruling BJP caught many by surprise by calling for a special session of Parliament from September 18-22. The purpose of this session remains unclear, prompting criticism that it might be a mere political maneuver. The government’s agenda may include pushing for “one nation, one election,” a topic that has gained prominence with a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind tasked with exploring its feasibility.
Another anticipated topic is the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), but its enactment is uncertain, given potential challenges with tribal communities and the need for a broader, non-Muslim-specific approach. The government might also introduce the long-pending Women’s Reservation Bill during the session, a move that could face opposition from various OBC groups.
As India grapples with drought and economic hardships, the government has been forced to make adjustments, such as reducing the price of gas cylinders and potentially increasing support to farmers. These issues could provide an advantage to the Opposition, as rising prices and livelihood challenges resonate with the public.
The INDIA alliance, a coalition of opposition parties, has set its sights on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. They aim to contest together in 400 constituencies where one-on-one contests are viable and have established coordination committees to execute their strategy. However, the alliance faces challenges in selecting a convener and a unifying logo.
While the BJP touts India’s global recognition, political stability, and a leader in Narendra Modi, the Opposition relies more on the power of arithmetic than charismatic leadership. Unlike past instances where opposition forces united to challenge a dominant Congress, today’s unity is driven by the fear that Modi’s return to power could jeopardize their political careers.
In the end, the 2024 elections in India promise to be a battle of political strategies, where unity, public sentiment, and effective governance will play pivotal roles in determining the nation’s next government.
