The results of the elections for the 18th Lok Sabha have torpedoed the predictions by the experts of exit polls that had given Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party yet another commanding mandate. The Opposition INDIA bloc, especially the Congress, ridiculed and dismissed by Mr Modi and his peers, large segments of the supine media fraternity and psephologists, has performed creditably. And the message from the aam aadmi has been one against hubris and arrogance that have undoubtedly been features of Mr Modi’s style of functioning. It would be interesting to see whether the reduced mandate has a tempering effect on Mr Modi during his third term. A vibrant Opposition and a Central government cut to size could augur well for the future of federalism and democracy in India.

Source: The Telegraph June 05, 2024 13:27 UTC