Verdict a reprieve for Indian democracy, but Hindutva remains a potent force – and a challenge

The 2024 Indian general elections marked a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic journey with outcomes that were both surprising and revealing. Despite the exit polls and Indian media’s initial projections of a sweeping victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the final results painted a more complex picture.

The BJP secured 240 seats, falling short of the 272 needed for an outright majority, forcing Modi to rely on the support of the National Democratic Alliance’s “unreliable” partners to form a government. This outcome, while seemingly a setback for Modi, does not signify the end of majoritarian nationalism in India.

Modi’s campaign for a third term was marked by a relentless focus on divisive rhetoric and anti-Muslim sentiment. The BJP’s strategy hinged on portraying Muslims as “infiltrators” and “jihadis” and accusing the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi of pandering to Muslim interests at the expense of Hindus. This narrative was amplified through social media and public speeches, creating an atmosphere of fear and hostility.

Despite this aggressive communal strategy, the electorate’s response was mixed, with economic issues such as unemployment and inflation taking precedence for many voters.

The 2024 elections were marred by serious irregularities and a systemic failure of the Election Commission....

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