The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, announced on Tuesday, 4 June, that the people of India have placed their faith in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for a third time in the Lok Sabha elections. Modi’s message, shared on social media, highlighted his commitment to continuing the good work done over the past decade to fulfil the aspirations of the Indian populace.
The NDA has secured a total of 295 seats in the Lok Sabha. Within this alliance, the BJP has won 242 seats. The Congress party has managed to secure 99 seats. The remaining seats are held by various regional and smaller parties, which now play a crucial role in coalition-building efforts.
Amit Shah, a senior BJP leader, expressed confidence in forming the government, stating, “With the support of our allies, we are on track to provide a stable and strong government.” Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party highlighted the need for change, emphasising that the electorate has voted for a new direction. Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party stressed the importance of unity among opposition parties, indicating their support would go to any coalition prioritising the needs of the common people.
Negotiations are currently in full swing. The BJP is actively negotiating with potential allies such as AIADMK and JD(U) to ensure a majority. Amit Shah is leading these talks and has reported positive developments. On the other side, Rahul Gandhi is reaching out to members of the I.N.D.I.A Bloc and regional parties like the TMC and DMK, aiming to form a government that reflects diverse regional interests. Regional parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP, and BSP, are being courted by both major coalitions, with their support potentially decisive in the formation of the new government.
TDP’s strong performance
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), led by N. Chandrababu Naidu, has secured 16 seats in these elections. This marks a massive performance for the party, especially as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Alongside the TDP, the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) has won 12 seats, contributing to the overall strength of the NDA coalition.
In Andhra Pradesh, the TDP’s success has been particularly noteworthy. The party’s alliance with the BJP and Janasena has proven effective, with the TDP winning 16 Lok Sabha seats in the state and leading in several assembly segments. This success is celebrated as a major victory for the TDP, with Chandrababu Naidu and his son Nara Lokesh, who is leading in the Mangalagiri assembly segment, marking the occasion with celebrations.
The Election Commission of India confirms these results, showing the significant impact of the TDP and JD(U) within the NDA’s overall tally of 295 seats.
This election saw a moderate voter turnout due to the heat wave and harsh weather conditions. If the NDA successfully forms the government, policies focused on national security, economic reforms, and infrastructure development are expected to continue. Conversely, a Congress-led coalition would likely shift the focus towards social welfare programs, agrarian reforms, and policies aimed at reducing economic disparities.
One of the most notable outcomes of this election is the BJP’s historic win in Kerala. Suresh Gopi, a popular Malayalam film actor and politician, won the Thrissur constituency. This victory is significant as Kerala has traditionally been a stronghold for the Left and Congress parties. Prime Minister Modi’s active campaign, including multiple visits to Thrissur and attending Gopi’s daughter’s wedding at the Guruvayur temple, played a crucial role in this win.
However, the BJP faced setbacks in Gujarat, a state where it has traditionally been dominant. The party lost in two key constituencies: Surat East and Rajkot West. In Surat East, the BJP candidate lost to the Congress candidate due to a strong anti-incumbency wave and local issues such as unemployment and infrastructure problems. In Rajkot West, a BJP bastion, the seat was won by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), reflecting a shift in voter sentiment towards alternative parties promising new governance models and anti-corruption measures. These losses indicate changing voter dynamics and a growing challenge from opposition parties.
Implications for Australia
For Australia, the results of the Indian general elections signify a “wait and watch” scenario. Regardless of which side forms the government in India, the economic and trade relations between India and Australia are likely to remain robust. Both countries have shown a strong commitment to enhancing their bilateral ties, particularly through the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). This agreement aims to boost trade, investment, and economic cooperation, benefiting both nations by opening new markets and opportunities.
Strategically, India and Australia are part of the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), along with the United States and Japan. This partnership focuses on ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Both major political parties in India, the BJP and Congress, have shown support for the Quad, indicating that strategic and defence cooperation will continue to strengthen irrespective of the election outcome.
Education and cultural exchanges are also significant areas of cooperation. India is a major source of international students for Australian universities, and policies promoting educational exchanges and collaborations are expected to continue. The Indian diaspora in Australia plays a crucial role in cultural and economic links between the two countries, ensuring that bilateral relations remain strong.
While the political landscape in India may shift following the elections, the overall policy direction towards Australia is expected to remain consistent. Both countries will likely continue to enhance their economic, strategic, and cultural ties, ensuring a strong and mutually beneficial relationship.
For more updates on election results, go to ECI
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Prime Minister Modi announced BJP-led NDA's third victory in Lok Sabha elections with 295 seats, amidst ongoing coalition negotiations. TDP & BJP's Kerala win were notable, impacting India-Australia relations positively. 🇮🇳🏛️🗳️🤝📈 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/ggKjdUtgun
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