After 10 Years, India Enters the Era of Coalition Government: A Deep Dive Into India’s Dynamic and Changing Political Landscape

While there was no visible wave in favor of any political party, India’s general elections did spring a surprise by bringing in a coalition government in power after a decade-long gap. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lost its parliamentary majority as it was unable to muster enough seats, falling short for the first time since 2014. 

The elections in the world’s largest democracy—with around 968 million eligible voters—are always robust, dynamic and diverse. And this was again visible in the seven-phase polling stretched over several weeks at the peak of summer. 

Despite winning just 240 seats—a drop of more than 60 seats from the 303 they won in 2019—the BJP, along with its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), won 293 seats to form the next government, giving Modi a third term as premier. 

The results also showcased a remarkable performance of the opposition parties who had united to form the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The alliance won 234 of the 543 parliamentary seats. 

Unemployment, inflation and rural distress were some of the key voting issues in 2024, a stark change as compared to nationalism, religious sentiments, economic trajectory and global positioning of India that dominated the narratives in the previous two elections.  

India’s elections offer an insight into the evolving dynamics of democracy in the country. The new government may have its set of challenges posed by different ideologies and agendas, but coalition governments in the past have often showcased pragmatism. It is also instrumental in fostering inclusive governance and accommodating diverse ideologies, while striving towards economic growth.