Speaking about 2024 Parliament Election 

In the Indian parliamentary elections of 2014 and 2019, the BJP demonstrated significant strength by securing a clear majority on its own. However, in the 2024 elections, the BJP achieved a majority only as part of the NDA alliance, without securing an absolute majority independently. This time, the BJP won only 240 seats, falling short of the 272 seats needed for an absolute majority, necessitating coalition partners' support. Despite this, Narendra Modi has achieved a hat-trick in governance, following Jawaharlal Nehru.

In the previous two parliaments, the opposition lacked sufficient strength to effectively challenge the government or claim the position of the Leader of the Opposition. However, by winning 99 seats, the Congress has managed to resist fragmentation and has risen to the opposition, with Rahul Gandhi assuming the leadership role. The 2024 election can be considered a revival for the Congress and the UPA alliance, which Modi's influence had overshadowed.

Narendra Modi, who started as an RSS pracharak and then served as BJP General Secretary, Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Prime Minister, now faces an unfamiliar situation in his 55-year political journey. Previously, he led a single-party government, but now he heads a government supported by 20 MPs from TDP and 12 MPs from JD(U). The election results of 2024 have defied exit polls and predictions. Although the INDIA alliance tried to counter Modi's continued governance, they couldn't achieve the expected breakthrough. The opposition, which competed against each other in the states, presented a united front at the national level, a paradoxical situation. The regional parties within the INDIA alliance showed different faces at the national and state levels, resulting in no substantial outcome but enabling the appointment of a Leader of the Opposition in the parliament.

In a democratic system, both the ruling and opposition parties are indispensable. Major issues like constitutional amendments cannot be addressed without a common consensus between the ruling and opposition parties. Criticizing, opposing, and attempting to come to power is part of the opposition's responsibility. However, the people have re-elected the Modi government to continue its administration. Foreign political analysts even agree that the Modi government has provided the country with stability and has accelerated economic growth through welfare schemes. India's international recognition has been notable, although certain foreign nations did not wish for Modi's continued governance. Media observations and concerns shared by China and Pakistan during Modi's tenure are indicative of this sentiment.

Internal issues such as inflation, unemployment, and a climate of hatred are cited by political analysts as reasons for the BJP's reduced seats. The disinterest of the parent organization, RSS, is also highlighted. Despite remaining the largest party within the NDA alliance, the BJP has increased its vote count this time. The BJP's total votes rose by 6.9 million from 2019 to 2024. However, the vote share decreased from 37.3% in 2019 to 36.6% in 2024, a decline of 0.7%. The BJP, which secured 229 million votes in 2019, received 235.9 million votes in 2024. This means that while the number of seats has decreased, the party's foundation remains strong. The 2024 election results should be seen as an opportunity for introspection and reflection.

To realize the dream of a developed India, the opposition must work constructively alongside the ruling authorities. The opposition has a moral responsibility to participate in nation-building with greater strength and vigour. The election results and the opportunity presented serve as evidence that the people have entrusted this responsibility to the opposition. Only through creative collaboration between the ruling and opposition parties can the nation achieve desirable transformations and progress. It is also noteworthy that Modi is the most followed leader on social media, with Elon Musk, the head of X, praising him. This underscores that Modi is a democratically elected leader in India's great democracy.

(The writer is Chairman of the World Hindu Parliament and former President of Fokana)