INDIA ELECTIONS 2024

1. Indian National Congress (INC):

Evolution:

● Founded in 1885 as a platform for dialogue with the British government.

● Post-independence, under Jawaharlal Nehru, focused on socialism, secularism, and
non-alignment.
● Dominated Indian politics until the 1970s when Indira Gandhi (known for "Garibi Hatao")
adopted more populist policies.
● Introduced economic liberalization under P.V. Narasimha Rao in the 1990s, shifting to
a more centrist stance.

Influential Leaders and Initiatives:

1. Mahatma Gandhi: Led the Quit India Movement and Non-Cooperation campaigns.
2. Indira Gandhi: Nationalized banks, launched the Green Revolution, and implemented
emergency policies.
3. Rajiv Gandhi: Introduced technology reforms and lowered voting age.
4. Sonia Gandhi: Architect of the MNREGA scheme (2005).

Key Campaign Messages:

● "Garibi Hatao" (Remove Poverty): Focused on poverty alleviation.

● Advocated for secularism, democratic socialism, and modernization.

Focus: Center-left ideology.

Emphasizes secularism, social welfare, and economic liberalization.
Comparable to liberals in the U.S. due to their advocacy for diversity and welfare programs.

2. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):

Evolution:

● Traces its roots to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1951), emphasizing Hindutva (Hindu
nationalism).
● Rebranded as BJP in 1980, gaining momentum in the 1990s under Atal Bihari
Vajpayee and L.K. Advani.
● Focus shifted to economic development under Narendra Modi post-2014.

Influential Leaders and Initiatives:

 1. Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Led India to nuclear tests (1998) and economic liberalization.
2. Narendra Modi: Focused on "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (inclusive growth), Swachh
Bharat Abhiyan, and Make in India.

Key Campaigns and Agendas:

● Ram Janmabhoomi Movement: Advocated for the construction of a Ram temple in

Ayodhya.
● 2024 Campaign: Focused on economic progress, nationalism, and welfare programs
like PM-Kisan.

Focus: Right-leaning ideology.

Advocates Hindutva (Hindu nationalism), economic development, and cultural conservatism.
Parallels to Republicans in the U.S. for their nationalistic and traditionalist policies.

3. Regional Parties:

Tamil Nadu:

● DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam): Advocates for Dravidian identity and social
justice.
● AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam): Focuses on populist welfare
schemes like Amma Canteens.

West Bengal:

● TMC (Trinamool Congress): Led by Mamata Banerjee, it focuses on grassroots

empowerment and regional pride.

Uttar Pradesh:

● Samajwadi Party (SP): Focuses on socialism and rural development.

● Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Advocates for Dalit and backward class rights under
Mayawati.

Maharashtra:

● Shiv Sena: Advocates for Marathi identity and Hindutva.

Focus: Identity-based or issue-specific governance.

Examples: DMK (Dravidian identity), TMC (regional pride in West Bengal), SP/BSP
(caste-based empowerment).
PARTY WINS IN THE PAST

Prime Ministers from the Indian National Congress (INC):

1. Jawaharlal Nehru – 1947–1964

2. Gulzarilal Nanda (Acting) – 1964, 1966
3. Indira Gandhi – 1966–1977, 1980–1984
4. Rajiv Gandhi – 1984–1989
5. P. V. Narasimha Rao – 1991–1996
6. H. D. Deve Gowda (Supported by INC in coalition) – 1996–1997
7. I. K. Gujral (Supported by INC in coalition) – 1997–1998
8. Manmohan Singh – 2004–2014

Prime Ministers from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):

1. Atal Bihari Vajpayee – 1996, 1998–2004

2. Narendra Modi – 2014–present

STATES

28 states: Each has its own government, handling local affairs and governance.
8 Union Territories (UTs): Administered directly by the Central Government, with some having
legislatures (e.g., Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir).

States: Governed by Chief Ministers and state governments, which handle local matters like
education, health, and law enforcement. However, the central government influences states
through national policies, funding, and directives.
Union Territories: Administered directly by the central government, with some exceptions like
Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir, which have their own legislatures.

● BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party): Strong in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat,
Haryana, Karnataka, Bihar, and Rajasthan. It appeals to voters with its focus on
Hindutva and economic development.
● INC (Indian National Congress): Historically dominant in Kerala, Tamil Nadu,
Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, but its support has weakened in recent years.
● Regional Parties:
○ TMC: Strong in West Bengal.
○ DMK and AIADMK: Key in Tamil Nadu.
○ SP and BSP: Significant in Uttar Pradesh.
○ Shiv Sena: Prominent in Maharashtra.
Union Territories like Delhi tend to lean toward AAP (Aam Aadmi Party).

28 States of India:

1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Arunachal Pradesh
3. Assam
4. Bihar
5. Chhattisgarh
6. Goa
7. Gujarat
8. Haryana
9. Himachal Pradesh
10. Jharkhand
11. Karnataka
12. Kerala
13. Madhya Pradesh
14. Maharashtra
15. Manipur
16. Meghalaya
17. Mizoram
18. Nagaland
19. Odisha
20. Punjab
21. Rajasthan
22. Sikkim
23. Tamil Nadu
24. Telangana
25. Tripura
26. Uttar Pradesh
27. Uttarakhand
28. West Bengal

8 Union Territories:

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

2. Chandigarh
3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
4. Lakshadweep
5. Delhi (National Capital Territory of Delhi)
6. Puducherry
7. Jammu & Kashmir
8. Ladakh
Important state governments in India:
1. Uttar Pradesh: The largest state by population, very important for national elections
because it has the most seats in Parliament. It is mainly influenced by the Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) and Samajwadi Party (SP).
2. Maharashtra: A major economic state with Mumbai as the financial center. The main
political parties here are Shiv Sena, BJP, and Congress.
3. West Bengal: Led by Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress (TMC) party,
this state plays a significant role in national politics.
4. Tamil Nadu: Known for its strong regional identity, the state’s politics are mainly shaped
by DMK and AIADMK.
5. Bihar: Important due to its large number of seats in Parliament. The key political figures
here are Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav.
6. Karnataka: An important state with a strong technology industry. The main political
players here are Congress, BJP, and JDS (Janata Dal-Secular).

In 2024, India has several state-level elections scheduled, alongside national elections. Some of
the key states holding elections in 2024 include:

● Maharashtra: This state will undergo elections in late 2024, alongside other states like
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Maharashtra is a crucial battleground for
both the Congress and BJP, with the Shiv Sena and NCP also being significant players
in the coalition politics.
● Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh: These states also have elections
lined up for later in the year. Each of these states has seen power shifts in the past, with
BJP and Congress both playing a major role in shaping their political landscape

Maharashtra elections 2024

Maharashtra elections are for the state-level government of Maharashtra. These elections
determine the composition of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), which is
responsible for making state laws and governance. The elections take place every five years to
elect members to the assembly, which in turn chooses the Chief Minister (CM) and forms the
state government.

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has 288 seats, and the parties or coalitions that win
the majority of these seats form the government. The Chief Minister is typically the leader of
the majority party or coalition in the assembly.

For the 2024 elections, two main alliances are competing:

● Maha Yuti (led by Eknath Shinde's faction of Shiv Sena and BJP).
● Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) (a coalition of Shiv Sena (Uddhav group), Congress, and
Nationalist Congress Party separate from INC)
Politically significant Maharashtra is India’s wealthiest state and home to the
financial and entertainment capital, Mumbai. Result will be announced on 23rd
Nov.

Voting Process:

1. Election Announcement:

● The Election Commission of India (ECI) announces the election schedule, including
dates, phases, and regions.
● The Model Code of Conduct begins, restricting political parties and candidates from
engaging in unfair practices.

2. Electoral Roll and Voter Registration:

● The ECI updates the Electoral Roll (list of registered voters).

● Citizens aged 18 or above register through Form 6. Corrections or updates can also be
made using relevant forms.

3. Polling Station Setup:

● Polling stations are established in every constituency.

● Each station is equipped with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) or Voter Verifiable
Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), security personnel, and facilities like ramps for
differently-abled voters.

4. Pre-Voting Process:

● Booth Level Officers (BLOs) verify voters' identification. Accepted IDs include Voter ID
(EPIC), Aadhaar, Passport, or others specified by the ECI.
● Voters' names are checked against the Electoral Roll, and their left-hand index finger is
marked with indelible ink to prevent multiple voting.

5. Casting the Vote:

● Voters enter the polling booth, where an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is set up.
● The EVM displays the list of candidates with their symbols. Voters press the button
corresponding to their chosen candidate.
● A paper slip is generated in the VVPAT machine for confirmation, visible for a few
seconds.

6. Special Voting Provisions:

 ● Postal Ballots: Available for armed forces, senior citizens (80+ years), and voters with
disabilities.
● Proxy Voting: Permitted for specific categories of voters (e.g., armed forces).

7. Post-Voting Security:

● EVMs and VVPATs are sealed and transported to secure storage under strict
supervision.
● They remain guarded until the counting day.

8. Vote Counting and Results:

● On the counting day, EVMs are unsealed, and votes are tallied.
● Results are declared by the ECI, and winning candidates are announced.

MAIN PARTIES IN ELECTIONS 2024

The 2024 general elections in India will feature a wide range of parties and candidates. Some
key national parties include:

1. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Fielding candidates across India, BJP is expected to
lead the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition, focusing on economic growth,
national security, and Hindu nationalism.
2. Indian National Congress (INC): Contesting under the Indian National Developmental
Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), Congress is campaigning on issues of social justice,
economic reforms, and unity.
3. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): Focused on good governance, anti-corruption measures, and
education reforms, primarily in Delhi and Punjab but contesting nationally.
4. Trinamool Congress (TMC): Led by Mamata Banerjee, focusing on regional
development, social welfare, and opposing BJP's policies.
5. Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M): Fielding candidates with a focus on
workers' rights, social welfare, and opposition to the BJP's policies.
6. Regional Parties: Like DMK in Tamil Nadu, YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh, and Shiv
Sena (UBT), each focusing on local issues such as state development, regional identity,
and economic autonomy.

MAIN CANDIDATES:
1. Narendra Modi (BJP): The incumbent Prime Minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) is seeking re-election for a third consecutive term. He is leading the National
Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes several smaller parties. Modi's leadership is
 focused on issues like national security, economic reforms, and the promotion of Hindu
nationalism. His government is also emphasizing development, infrastructure, and a
strong stance on issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act and the revocation of Article
370 in Jammu & Kashmir.
2. Rahul Gandhi (Indian National Congress): Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the
Indian National Congress (INC), is the main opposition candidate. Although his party has
faced challenges in recent years, Gandhi remains a key figure in Indian politics. His
campaign is expected to focus on unemployment, farmers' issues, and addressing the
socio-economic inequalities in India. The INC has criticized Modi's governance on issues
such as economic performance and the handling of communal tensions​

AGENDAS:

Narendra Modi's Agenda (BJP - National Democratic Alliance)

1. Development and Infrastructure:

○ Focus on boosting India's infrastructure, including roads, railways, airports, and
urban development.
○ The Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti National Master Plan aims at integrating
various sectors to improve logistics and reduce bottlenecks​
.
○ Significant focus on Smart Cities and Affordable Housing for all.
2. Economic Growth and Job Creation:
○ Promote manufacturing, digital economy, and entrepreneurship under the Make
in India initiative.
○ Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India): This policy promotes self-sufficiency,
emphasizing local production to reduce dependence on imports​
.
○ Focus on skill development, especially through initiatives like Skill India, and
creating jobs in the tech and manufacturing sectors.
3. National Security and Defense:
○ Strong stance on national security, including a tough approach on issues like
terrorism and border security, especially with neighboring countries like Pakistan
and China​
.
○ Modernization of the defense sector with increased defense spending and a
focus on making India a defense exporter.
4. Social Welfare Programs:
○ Expansion of Ayushman Bharat (National Health Protection Mission), providing
affordable healthcare to millions.
○ Increased emphasis on PM Kisan Yojana, a scheme to provide direct income
support to farmers.
 ○ Continued focus on Ujjwala Yojana, providing free LPG connections to
households below the poverty line​
.
5. Hindutva and Cultural Identity:
○ Promoting Hindu nationalism, including a push for policies reflecting traditional
Indian values.
○ Emphasis on cultural revival and support for festivals and traditions associated
with Hindu religion​
.
○ Major political actions such as the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu &
Kashmir, leading to the region's integration into India​
.
6. Foreign Policy:
○ Strong relations with major world powers like the United States, Israel, and
Russia, while focusing on India's global leadership through initiatives like the
International Solar Alliance.
○ Enhanced regional leadership, especially in South Asia and Africa, focusing on
economic partnerships

Rahul Gandhi's Agenda (Indian National Congress)

1. Economic Justice and Job Creation:

○ Focus on addressing unemployment by promoting large-scale job creation
through a comprehensive jobs guarantee scheme.
○ Nyay (Minimum Income Guarantee): A promise to provide a basic income for
India’s poorest families to reduce economic inequality​
.
○ Criticizing the economic slowdown under Modi's government, Gandhi
emphasizes reviving the economy by increasing public sector investments.
2. Social Welfare and Inclusivity:
○ Strong focus on poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare. Rahul Gandhi
has proposed universalizing education and expanding public healthcare
systems to ensure equitable access​
.
○ Strong stance on protecting the rights of Dalits, tribals, and other marginalized
communities through affirmative action programs and economic support.
3. Farmer Welfare:
○ Rahul has been vocal in supporting farmers’ rights, especially opposing farm
laws that he claims favor large corporations and undermine the interests of small
farmers.
○ Proposes higher minimum support prices (MSP) and reforms to agricultural
policies to protect and empower farmers​
.
4. Secularism and Social Harmony:
 ○ Focus on secularism and unity, criticizing the BJP's policies which he argues
promote religious divisions in society.
○ Emphasis on tolerance, ensuring equal rights for all religious communities,
including minorities, and safeguarding the Constitutional values of India​

.
5. Environmental Protection:
○ Proposes aggressive actions on climate change, advocating for cleaner energy
and a shift to green jobs.
○ Rahul Gandhi has been calling for greater investment in renewable energy, and
aims to reduce India’s dependency on fossil fuels​

.
6. Restoration of Democratic Institutions:
○ Rahul has expressed concerns about the erosion of democratic norms,
advocating for greater autonomy of institutions like the Judiciary and Election
Commission.
○ Promises to restore the independence of institutions that have been under
pressure in recent years, including media freedom and civil rights.

GENERAL ELECTIONS 2024

General elections were held in India from 19 April to 1 June 2024 in seven phases. In the 2024
Indian general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to victory, securing a third consecutive
term. However, the results were not as overwhelming as in 2019, with the BJP winning 240
seats in the Lok Sabha, which is lower than their 2019 performance but still enough to secure a
majority when combined with allies.

The Congress Party came in second, winning 98 seats, while other regional parties, such as
the Samajwadi Party, All India Trinamool Congress, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam,
also performed well in their respective states.

Despite some setbacks, including losses in key constituencies like Ayodhya, Modi's leadership
and the BJP's coalition formed the cornerstone of this victory, with the NDA surpassing the
majority mark of 272 seats (the majority threshold in India's 545-seat Lok Sabha)​.

These elections were significant for Modi as they confirmed his political dominance, with
victories in key regions such as Varanasi. His leadership was central to the campaign, and the
NDA's win reflects continued support among a wide base of voters, including strongholds in
states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat