The Lok Sabha Elections of 2024 have reached a critical juncture with the completion of four out of seven phases. This milestone marks a significant point in the electoral process, with political parties across the spectrum intensifying their campaigns to secure a favorable outcome in the remaining three phases.
The first four phases have seen high voter turnout and vigorous campaigning from major political players, reflecting the deep-seated democratic engagement of the Indian electorate.
The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has continued to emphasize its track record on economic growth, infrastructure development, and national security.
Modi’s charisma and the BJP's extensive organizational machinery have been pivotal in mobilizing support, especially in urban and semi-urban constituencies.
On the other side, the Indian National Congress (INC), led by Rahul Gandhi, has focused on issues like unemployment, agrarian distress, and social justice. The Congress’s campaign has highlighted what it perceives as the failures of the Modi government, particularly in handling the economy and maintaining communal harmony.
Rahul Gandhi’s promise of a minimum income guarantee and other welfare measures are central to their manifesto, aiming to attract lower-income and rural voters.
Regional parties, too, have played crucial roles in this election, often acting as kingmakers. Parties such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh have substantial influence in their respective states.
Their leaders, like Mamata Banerjee, M.K. Stalin, and Akhilesh Yadav, have been campaigning vigorously, with a focus on state-specific issues and a strong anti-BJP stance.