The swearing-in ceremony for Prime Minister Modi’s third term is set to take place over the weekend, either on June 9. In the Lok Sabha election 2024 results, the NDA secured 293 seats, while the Opposition’s INDIA bloc holds 234 seats in a house of total 543 elected members.
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections witnessed the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) securing victory, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. As the new government assumes power, it faces several critical issues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently ruled with large majorities and centralized power, now faces an unprecedented challenge: forming a government dependent on other parties. The recent election results caught everyone by surprise, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost its commanding majority after a decade in power. The BJP secured 240 seats, falling short of the 272 needed for a majority. Meanwhile, the opposition INDIA alliance won 232 seats, leading to a political scramble to assemble the nation’s next government.
For years, Modi championed a “new India,” free from nepotism and corruption. However, the current scenario after Lok Sabha election 2024 demands coalition-building skills he has never had to employ before. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, secured 293 seats overall, with key allies like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal (United) pledging support to Modi. Yet, the central question remains: Can Modi adapt to governing with other parties?
The NDA secured 292 seats in Lok Sabha Election 2024, falling short of the 272-seat majority mark. It now relies on key allies like Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP and Nitish Kumar’s JD (U) to form the government. Balancing diverse interests within the coalition will be crucial.
Challenges for the NDA Government after winning Lok Sabha Election 2024
The challenges ahead are multifaceted. Here are some key areas where Modi’s third term faces mammoth hurdles:
Unemployment:
The central concern lies in India’s economy. While the country’s growth rate has garnered global attention, unemployment remains stubbornly high. In 2023, the youth unemployment rate (ages 20–24) stood at a staggering 44.9 percent, and the overall unemployment rate reached 8.7 percent. These figures underscore the urgency of addressing job creation. India’s demographic dividend—a large population of young people—holds immense potential, but harnessing it requires strategic policies and investment. Modi’s government must prioritize initiatives that encourage job growth, attract foreign investment, and empower self-employment opportunities.
Creating jobs will be Modi’s litmus test. As companies seek alternatives to China, India has an opportunity to attract foreign investment and become a manufacturing hub. However, achieving this goal necessitates targeted policies, skill development, and collaboration with private enterprises. The BJP’s electoral setback in Lok Sabha election 2024 underscores the gravity of the unemployment challenge, and the new coalition government must act swiftly to address it.
Inflation and Economic Stability: Rising inflation affects citizens’ purchasing power. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his third term, he faces a formidable adversary: inflation. The global surge in prices has hit India hard, affecting everything from daily essentials to fuel costs. For a leader who promised economic prosperity, this challenge looms large. The NDA must address this by maintaining price stability. Fiscal discipline and prudent economic policies are vital.
Inequality and Social Welfare: Bridging the gap between the rich and the poor is essential. Modi’s tenure witnessed impressive economic growth, but it has been accompanied by stark disparities. The stock markets soared, foreign investment poured in, and GDP numbers dazzled. However, beneath this glittering facade lies a reality of uneven prosperity. The fruits of growth have not reached everyone equally. A significant portion of India’s population still grapples with poverty, lack of access to quality education, and inadequate healthcare.
The urban-rural divide remains pronounced, with rural areas lagging behind in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The digital divide exacerbates this disparity, leaving millions without access to the stable internet or digital services. Additionally, gender inequality persists, affecting women’s participation in the workforce and their overall well-being. The marginalized communities—Dalits, Adivasis, and religious minorities—also need government’s continuous support.
Agriculture: The agricultural sector needs reforms to enhance productivity, alleviate farmer distress, and ensure food security. Ensuring that policies safeguard the interests of small and marginal farmers is critical. Farmers form the backbone of Indian agriculture, and their well-being directly impacts food security and rural livelihoods.
Encouraging contract farming can enhance productivity and provide stability to farmers. However, it’s essential to establish fair terms that protect farmers’ rights and prevent exploitation by agribusinesses.
A robust legal framework is necessary for dispute resolution. Timely court decisions can address grievances related to land disputes, contracts, and other agricultural matters.
Strengthening rural infrastructure is vital. This includes improving storage facilities, transportation networks, and irrigation systems. Efficient infrastructure reduces post-harvest losses and ensures better market access.
While liberalizing agricultural markets, policymakers must strike a balance. Ensuring fair prices for farmers while allowing market forces to operate is crucial. The minimum support price (MSP) system plays a pivotal role in this equation.
By addressing these aspects, NDA government can create a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector. The fate of millions depends on effective policies and implementation .
Social Harmony: India’s diversity is both its strength and its challenge. With a population of over 1.3 billion, the country is a tapestry of languages, cultures, and religions. Modi’s leadership has been marked by a blend of economic reforms, nationalist fervor, and a commitment to Hindutva—an ideology that portrays India as the “land of Hindus” and emphasizes unity among Hindus across caste, linguistic, regional, and class divides.
Under Modi’s premiership, Hindutva has become increasingly embedded into India’s system. On a national level, this included the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, previously India’s only Muslim-majority state. Additionally, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was implemented, allowing persecuted religious minorities (except Muslims) from neighbouring countries to claim asylum in India.
Secularism remains a crucial pillar of India’s democracy, and bridging the gap between religious communities is essential for stability and progress. The fate of millions rests on his leadership, and after the divisive rhetoric used in Lok Sabha election 2024 campaign, the challenge of fostering harmony looms large.
In conclusion, the NDA government faces a delicate balancing act. By addressing these challenges head-on, it can build a stronger, more inclusive India.
