Indian Political News: How Modi Won His Third Term but Lost His Base and Charm
HomeBlogIndian Political News: How Modi Won His Third Term but Lost His Base and Charm
by Pia
Indian Political News: How Modi Won His Third Term but Lost His Base and Charm
Welcome to Aware Naari, where we delve into important topics shaping our
world. Today, we explore Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term victory
and the factors behind his declining popularity. Despite his win, Modi has lost
his base and charm, reflecting the challenges his government faced.
Modi's Three Terms: A Comparative
Analysis
1
First Term (2014)
Modi’s first win in 2014 was a historic landslide, with the BJP securing 282 seats,
the highest for a single party in three decades. This victory marked the beginning
of his strongman image and nationalist agenda.
2
Second Term (2019)
In 2019, Modi capitalized on his strongman image and nationalist agenda,
increasing the BJP’s tally to 303 seats. This further solidified his position as a
dominant political force.
3
Third Term (2024)
In the 2024 elections, the BJP’s seat count dropped to 270, still a majority but
reflecting a decline in popularity and support. This marked a turning point in
Modi’s political journey.
Why Modi Lost His Base and Charm
1. Economic Struggles
Despite initial promises of economic growth
and development, the Indian economy faced
significant challenges under Modi’s
leadership, including a slowing GDP, rising
unemployment, and inflation.
2. Social Unrest
Policies such as the Citizenship Amendment
Act (CAA) and the abrogation of Article 370
led to widespread protests and alienated
minorities, particularly Muslims.
3. COVID-19 Response
The government’s handling of the COVID-19
pandemic, especially during the second wave,
was heavily criticized for inadequate
healthcare infrastructure and poor crisis
management.
4. Farmer Protests
The controversial farm laws led to prolonged
protests by farmers, a significant voter base,
damaging Modi’s rural support.
Why Modi Lost His Base and Charm
For Women
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme for girls' welfare and education
Stand-Up India scheme promoted entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women
For Children, Elderly,
and Poor
Mid-Day Meal scheme expansion
Poshan Abhiyaan tackled child malnutrition
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana provided pension for senior citizens
Ayushman Bharat provided health insurance for poor families
Top 3 Global Wins for India under
Modi
1
International Diplomacy
Strengthened ties with major global
powers including the US, Russia, and
Japan, enhancing India’s strategic position
on the global stage.
2
Climate Leadership
India’s leadership in the International Solar
Alliance and commitments to renewable
energy have positioned the country as a
key player in global climate change
initiatives.
3
Economic Agreements
Successful negotiations of significant trade agreements, including the one with ASEAN, which
bolstered India’s economic ties with Southeast Asian nations.
Top 2 Missed Opportunities by Modi
Government
Employment Generation
Despite promises, the government failed to create
adequate job opportunities, particularly for the
youth, leading to widespread unemployment and
underemployment.
Social Harmony
The government’s policies and rhetoric have often
exacerbated social divisions, leading to increased
communal tensions and a sense of alienation among
minorities.
Modi's First Term: A Historic Landslide
1
Decisive Victory
In 2014, Modi’s BJP secured
282 seats, the highest for a
single party in three decades,
marking a historic landslide
victory.
2
Nationalist Agenda
Modi’s campaign focused on a
strong nationalist agenda,
promising economic
development and a departure
from the previous
government’s policies.
3
Strongman Image
Modi’s decisive leadership style
and promises of change
resonated with voters,
establishing his strongman
image.
Second Term: Consolidating Power
Term
Year
BJP Seats
Total Seats
First
2014
282
543
Second
2019
303
543
Third
2024
270
543
In 2019, Modi capitalized on his strongman image and nationalist agenda, increasing the BJP’s tally to 303
seats. This further solidified his position as a dominant political force, consolidating his power and influence.
Economic Struggles: A Major Setback
Slowing GDP
Despite promises of economic
growth, India’s GDP growth rate
slowed during Modi’s tenure,
raising concerns about the
government’s economic policies.
Rising Unemployment
Job creation remained a
significant challenge, with
unemployment rates increasing,
particularly among the youth,
leading to widespread
discontent.
Inflation Woes
Rising inflation eroded the
purchasing power of consumers,
further exacerbating economic
struggles and impacting Modi’s
popularity.
Social Unrest: Policies Spark Protests
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
The CAA, which granted citizenship based on
religion, sparked widespread protests and alienated
minorities, particularly Muslims.
Abrogation of Article 370
The revocation of Article 370, which granted special
status to Jammu and Kashmir, led to protests and
unrest in the region.
COVID-19 Response: A Crisis
Mishandled
1
First Wave
The government’s response to the initial COVID-19 outbreak was criticized for
being slow and inadequate, leading to a rapid spread of the virus.
2
Second Wave
The second wave of COVID-19 in India was devastating, with a severe shortage of
hospital beds, oxygen, and medical supplies, exposing the weaknesses in the
healthcare system.
3
Vaccination Rollout
While the vaccination program eventually gained momentum, the initial rollout
was plagued by logistical issues and supply shortages, further hampering the
pandemic response.
Farmer Protests: A Rural Backlash
1
Farm Laws
The government introduced controversial farm laws aimed at deregulating the
agricultural sector, sparking widespread protests from farmers.
2
Prolonged Protests
Farmers, a significant voter base, staged prolonged protests, camping on the
outskirts of Delhi for months, demanding the repeal of the laws.
3
Rural Support Eroded
The government’s handling of the protests and perceived indifference towards
farmers’ concerns eroded Modi’s rural support base.
Authoritarian Image: Suppression of
Dissent
1
Centralization of
Power
Modi’s government has
been accused of
centralizing power and
undermining democratic
institutions, contributing
to an authoritarian image.
2
Crackdown on Critics
Critics and dissenting
voices have faced
crackdowns, including
arrests, internet
shutdowns, and
restrictions on freedom of
speech and expression.
3
Media Control
Concerns have been raised
about the government’s
control over the media,
with allegations of
censorship and biased
coverage.
Women's Welfare Initiatives
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
This scheme aimed to improve the welfare and
education of girls, addressing issues like gender
discrimination and female infanticide.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
This initiative provided free LPG connections to
poor households, primarily benefiting women by
reducing their exposure to harmful smoke from
traditional cooking methods.
Initiatives for Minorities and
Entrepreneurship
Stand-Up India
This scheme aimed to promote entrepreneurship
among Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and
women, encouraging minority business ownership.
Entrepreneurship Development
The government introduced various programs and
initiatives to support and encourage
entrepreneurship among marginalized communities.
Child Welfare and Nutrition Programs
Mid-Day Meal Scheme
This long-running scheme was expanded to provide
free meals to children in government and
government-aided schools, addressing malnutrition
and encouraging school attendance.
Poshan Abhiyaan
This initiative aimed to tackle malnutrition among
children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers
through targeted interventions and monitoring.
Welfare for the Elderly and Poor
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana
This scheme provided senior citizens with a pension
scheme, ensuring a regular income and financial
security in their later years.
Ayushman Bharat
This flagship healthcare program aimed to provide
health insurance coverage to millions of poor
families, ensuring access to affordable medical care.
International Diplomacy: Strengthening
Global Ties
1
US Relations
Modi’s government
strengthened ties with the
United States, enhancing
strategic cooperation and
economic partnerships.
2
Russia and Japan
Russia and Japan
India also deepened its
relationships with Russia and
Japan, further expanding its
global influence and strategic
alliances.
3
Global Positioning
These diplomatic efforts
positioned India as a key player
on the global stage, enhancing
its strategic and economic
interests.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy
Historic Landslide
Victories
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s
historic landslide
victories in 2014 and
2019 cemented his
political dominance.
Strengthened
Global Ties
Modi oversaw a
strengthening of India’s
global diplomatic ties,
with the country
emerging as a key player
on the international
stage.
Welfare Programs
The Modi administration
implemented welfare
programs targeting
women, children,
minorities, and the
economically
disadvantaged.
Challenges and
Criticism
However, the handling
of the COVID-19
pandemic and the
farmer protests exposed
vulnerabilities in the
government’s crisis
management
capabilities. Politically,
the administration’s
authoritarian
tendencies and the
suppression of dissent
have drawn criticism.