India General Elections 2024: Key Highlights and Final Campaign Push
As the 2024 general elections in India approach their final phase, political parties are intensifying their campaigns with a fervor that matches the significance of the upcoming vote. Scheduled for June 1, the seventh and last phase of polling will decide the fate of 57 remaining seats, with the counting of votes set for June 4. This critical period has seen leaders from both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc making significant promises and addressing crucial issues in an attempt to sway the electorate.
Rahul Gandhi’s Bold Promises
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been at the forefront of the opposition’s campaign, making several bold promises aimed at garnering support. One of his key declarations is the pledge to scrap the Agnipath scheme, a controversial recruitment plan for the defense services. Additionally, Gandhi has promised a monthly deposit of ₹8,500 into every woman’s account, a move aimed at addressing economic disparities and empowering women.
During his rallies in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Gandhi also announced that the INDIA bloc, if voted to power, would end the 50% cap on reservations. Emphasizing the importance of protecting the Constitution, he stated, “There is INDIA bloc and the Constitution on one side and those who want to finish the Constitution on the other.” This rhetoric underscores the opposition’s commitment to social justice and constitutional values, appealing to a broad section of the electorate.
Amit Shah and Narendra Modi’s Counterattacks
In response, the BJP has intensified its campaign efforts, with Home Minister Amit Shah holding rallies across Uttar Pradesh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing significant gatherings in Jharkhand and West Bengal. Shah’s focus has been on consolidating support in key constituencies, while Modi’s speeches have highlighted the NDA government’s achievements and attacked the opposition’s track record.
Modi’s address in Dumka accused the JMM-led alliance in Jharkhand of supporting infiltrators, which he claimed was causing demographic changes and putting women at risk. In West Bengal, he asserted that no corruption cases had been filed against the NDA government in the last decade, contrasting this with alleged corruption under the Trinamool Congress. His emphasis on integrity and governance aims to reassure voters of the BJP’s commitment to transparency and development.
Election Commission’s Directive
Amidst the heated campaign, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has intervened, urging both the BJP and the Congress to avoid divisive issues. This directive, albeit late in the campaign, reflects the increasing polarization and contentious nature of political discourse. The ECI’s call for restraint is an attempt to ensure that the final phase of polling is conducted in a peaceful and democratic manner.
Strategic Campaigns and Last-Minute Push
As the election reaches its climax, both the NDA and the INDIA bloc are making strategic moves to maximize their reach. Rahul Gandhi’s rallies in Bihar’s Bakhtiyarpur, Paliganj, and Jagdishpur are aimed at consolidating support in key battlegrounds. Similarly, Amit Shah’s and Priyanka Gandhi’s rallies in Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh respectively, highlight the importance of these regions in the overall electoral strategy.
Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled visit to Kanniyakumari, where he plans to meditate at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, adds a personal and philosophical dimension to his campaign. This visit, just before the final phase of polling, can be seen as an attempt to connect with the cultural and spiritual sentiments of voters.
Opposition INDIA Bloc’s Strategy
The opposition INDIA bloc, led by Congress, has scheduled a meeting on June 1 to assess their performance and plan their strategy for the post-election scenario. The Trinamool Congress, citing polling commitments, has opted out of this meeting, highlighting the logistical challenges faced by parties during such a high-stakes election.
Voter Turnout Concerns
A notable trend in this election has been the relatively low voter turnout across the initial phases. Factors such as extreme heat, lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic issues like price rise and job losses, and general voter indifference have all contributed to this decline. This trend is concerning for the democratic process, as lower participation can impact the overall legitimacy and representation of the elected government.
Conclusion
As India heads into the final phase of the 2024 general elections, the political landscape is charged with promises, accusations, and strategic maneuvers. The outcomes of the remaining 57 seats will be crucial in determining the next government. While the BJP highlights its governance record and accuses the opposition of corruption and mismanagement, the INDIA bloc is focusing on social justice, economic empowerment, and constitutional integrity. The final push by both sides, coupled with the ECI’s directive for peaceful campaigning, sets the stage for a significant conclusion to one of the most closely watched elections in recent Indian history.
