Introduction
India's Lok Sabha Elections 2024 have gripped the nation, with the first two phases of voting leaving an indelible mark on the country's democratic landscape. As the electoral battle intensifies, allegations, controversies, and high-stakes claims have taken center stage, challenging the integrity of the process and testing the resilience of India's democratic fabric.
Lok Sabha election 2024 (NDTV) LINK
Phase 1
Phase 1 of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections took place on April 19, covering 102 constituencies across 21 States and four Union Territories. Over 100 million people voted, with a provisional turnout of around 64-65%. According to the Election Commission, the final voter turnout was 66.14%.
However, in West Bengal, the polling process was marred by violence in the Cooch Behar seat. Clashes erupted between the TMC and the BJP, leading to numerous complaints from both parties. Tensions escalated with 80 complaints from the TMC and 39 from the BJP, citing instances of poll violence, voter intimidation, and assaults on poll agents. Meanwhile, in Manipur, despite existing tension, a good percentage of voting took place. However, an altercation between locals and unidentified individuals occurred in the Thongju Assembly constituency, adding to the prevailing strife in the region.
In a concerning development, Nagaland experienced a unique situation with zero voter turnout recorded in six districts. Despite polling officials waiting for nine hours, not a single one of the four lakh registered voters appeared at the polling stations. This unprecedented scenario unfolded due to a shutdown call issued by an organization advocating for the creation of a 'Frontier Nagaland Territory' (FNT).
Impressive Voter Turnout: A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the controversies during phase 1, during phase 2 the voter turnout has been a resounding affirmation of the Indian people's commitment to exercising their democratic rights. The first phase, held on April 19, witnessed a provisional turnout of around 64-65%, culminating in a final figure of 66.14% according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The second phase, conducted on April 26, recorded an even higher voter turnout of 66.71%, as per the ECI's data.
Tripura led the way with an impressive 77.53% turnout, while Uttar Pradesh lagged behind with a 52.74% turnout by 5 PM on April 26. States like Manipur (76.06%), West Bengal (71.84%), Chhattisgarh (72.13%), and Assam (70.66%) also registered healthy turnouts, reflecting the enthusiasm of the electorate.
High-Stakes Claims and Counter-Claims
As the elections unfold, political parties have not shied away from making bold claims and counter-claims, heightening the already tense atmosphere. Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that following the completion of Phase 2 of polling, the BJP and its allies within the NDA have surpassed the 100-seat mark, expressing optimism about achieving their target of "400 paar" (400 or more seats).
On the other hand, Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, have issued impassioned appeals, framing the elections as a battle to "save the constitution." Gandhi urged all Congress candidates and leaders to carry a copy of the constitution during their campaigns, emphasizing the party's commitment to upholding the country's foundational principles.
Controversies and Allegations: A Worrying Trend
The election campaign has been rife with controversies and allegations, with parties accusing each other of resorting to unethical tactics and spreading misinformation. The BJP accused the Congress of "hating the constitution" and attempting to appease vote banks, while the Congress alleged a conspiracy by the BJP in the Delhi liquor scam involving Arvind Kejriwal and K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Former Telangana CM, K Chandrasekhar Rao, accused the BJP of causing difficulties for CMs nationwide. He noted that while they targeted many, they failed to aim at Arvind Kejriwal and himself. Rao alleged that the BJP orchestrated a conspiracy via Delhi's LG, manipulating the excise policy into a fabricated scandal. He claimed that this led to the unjust detention of Arvind Kejriwal and his daughter, K Kavitha. Rao labeled the Delhi liquor "scam" as nothing but a fabrication by Narendra Modi.
Furthermore, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Congress leader Salman Khurshid and SP's Maria Alam Khan for allegedly soliciting votes based on religious affiliations, under sections 188 and 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Defections and Political Maneuverings
The election campaign has also witnessed several significant defections and political maneuverings. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA from Soro, Parshuram Dhada, rejoined the BJP ahead of the polls in Odisha, while Congress faced a setback as Ramnivas Rawat, its six-time MLA in Madhya Pradesh, resigned from the party and joined the ruling BJP.
The Janata Dal (Secular) core committee also recommended the suspension of Prajwal Revanna, the party's MP from Hassan, who is embroiled in a scandal involving alleged sex tapes in Karnataka.
Prime Minister's Vision and Promises
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not shied away from making bold promises and outlining his vision for the country during the election campaign. He expressed his dream of hosting the 2029 Youth Olympics and the 2036 Olympics in India, highlighting the nation's growing confidence in the sporting arena.
Modiji also guaranteed that India would soon have three crore (30 million) "Lakhpati Didis" (women earning over one lakh rupees annually), emphasizing the government's commitment to women's empowerment and economic upliftment.
Deep Fake Video Controversy and Legal Battles
The elections have also been marred by the controversy surrounding a 'deep fake' video featuring Union Home Minister Amit Shah, allegedly depicting him advocating for the reduction of reservation rights for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. The social media handle of Maharashtra Congress (Youth) faced legal action, with a case registered against it for sharing the manipulated video. According to Nayab Singh Saini, the Chief Minister of Haryana, Congress is resorting to falsehoods to boost their popularity amidst the ongoing investigation of the Neha Hiremath murder case. Instead of focusing on actual work, they are spreading misinformation among the public to secure votes. Saini urges the people not to fall for these deceitful tactics.
Additionally, the Delhi High Court dismissed a plea seeking to disqualify Prime Minister Narendra Modi from contesting elections for six years, alleging that he sought votes by invoking Hindu and Sikh deities and places of worship. The court deemed the plea "thoroughly misconceived."
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Uncertainties
As India gears up for the remaining phases of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, the road ahead is paved with challenges and uncertainties. The allegations of violence, irregularities, and unethical tactics have cast a shadow over the integrity of the electoral process, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of the exercise.
Moreover, the deep fake video controversy and the legal battles surrounding it have raised crucial questions about the role of technology in influencing public opinion and the potential consequences of misinformation in the digital age. Furthermore, the recent accusations and acts by Congress and other opposition parties shows signs that even the opposition that their recent actions like scams and lies have all but ensured PM Modi’s return to the post of Prime Minister for the third time. It has been proven time and again that there was no foul play in the Liquor Scam, the only foul play was the scam itself which was done by CM Kejriwal. If being brought to justice for misusing public funds is somehow controversial then the nation’s public certainly approves of this controversy.
Amidst these challenges, the resilience of India's democratic institutions and the unwavering commitment of its citizens to upholding the principles of democracy will be put to the test. As the nation eagerly awaits the final outcome, it is imperative that all stakeholders – political parties, electoral authorities, and the general public – work together to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
Conclusion
The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in India have undoubtedly been a high-stakes democratic exercise, marred by controversies, allegations, and intense political drama. While the impressive voter turnout is a testament to the Indian people's commitment to exercising their democratic rights, the allegations of violence, irregularities, and unethical tactics have cast a shadow over the integrity of the process.
As the nation gears up for the remaining phases, it is crucial that all stakeholders uphold the principles of democracy, transparency, and fairness. The road ahead may be riddled with challenges and uncertainties, but India's resilient democratic institutions and the unwavering spirit of its citizens will ultimately shape the future course of the country.
Comments