(A wrap-up on Indian General Elections 2024)
As the results of the voting for Indian General Elections 2024 started pouring in, it became clear something went wrong for the ruling BJP particularly with one state, which is Uttar Pradesh.
As a bystander – one who hasn’t really been diving into the news channels and political activity – I had a subconscious feeling since many months – when the whole Ram Ayodhya Mandir thing was done. It just wasn’t giving me the right vibes. If I put it simply, it felt very unlike Modiji to place such an event right before the elections. I am not saying our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s intentions were wrong, but on a general level, it gave such an impression. As if, this was being done to garner the Hindu votes, which used to be their main vote bank.
If instead something like the G20 Summit of last year had been placed at that time, I truly feel it would have done BJP wonders. The two events should have been swapped. For people now are more inclined towards development, status & respect amongst the world powers rather than the religious polarization that the Ayodhya event conveyed. I never got a good feel about it.
To add to it, it was most unwise a decision to confer the Bharat Ratna on Shri L.K. Advani just to cover up for the cold treatment & royal ignore given to him all throughout the Ayodhya rigmarole. This again was something you least expect from PM Modi who has led the nation like a perfect idol for millions who look up to him. And the price was paid with underwhelming results in the very same state that this big event was centered at.
All in all, as we say – all is well that ends well. Modiji is the Prime Minister for the third consecutive term. And he will surely take the nation further ahead as he has for the last decade. So no qualms. Just my 2 cents.