In a surprising turn of events, the opposition INDIA bloc, led by Congress’ Rahul Gandhi and the Samajwadi Party (SP), has made significant gains in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, challenging the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and defying exit poll predictions. This outcome marks a significant setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who were confident of a sweeping victory.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday evening, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi expressed his gratitude to the citizens of Uttar Pradesh and other states for what he described as “saving the Constitution.” Gandhi, who contested from Wayanad and Rae Bareli, was vocal in his criticism of Modi and Shah, accusing them of undermining democratic institutions and using intimidation tactics.
“We fought this election not just against BJP but also against the institutions, the governance structure of the country, the intelligence agencies CBI, ED, judiciary because all these institutions were captured by Amit Shah & Narendra Modi ji,” Rahul Gandhi said. He emphasized that the election results reflect the country’s unanimous disapproval of the BJP’s approach over the last decade. “The main thing that this election has said is that the country has clearly and unanimously stated – we do not want Narendra Modi and Amit Shah to be involved in running this country. We do not like the way they have run this country. We do not appreciate the way they have attacked the Constitution. That is a huge message to Narendra Modi.”
The BJP’s Projected Majority Of ‘400 Plus’ Proved Wrong By Rahul Gandhi Led INDIA
The Election Commission’s trends indicated a significant deviation from exit poll predictions. The BJP, which had been projected to secure a ‘400 plus’ majority, had won 20 seats and was leading in another 224 as counting continued. Conversely, the opposition INDIA bloc showed strong performance across various states, challenging the NDA’s dominance.
Several news agencies had anticipated a strong majority for the NDA in Uttar Pradesh, with predictions even surpassing their 2019 tally. However, the INDIA bloc stunned many by gaining an edge in 40 seats, while the BJP led in 36 seats, a notable decrease from its 2019 count of 62.
In Maharashtra, the INDIA bloc, including Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SCP), led in 28 out of 48 seats, while the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance held 18. West Bengal saw the ruling TMC leading in 29 seats, with the BJP ahead in 12, a reduction from its previous 18 seats in 2019. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh presented further challenges for the BJP, with no seats secured in Tamil Nadu and the TDP leading in 16 seats, positioning itself as a potential kingmaker.
Rahul Gandhi highlighted the broader implications of the election results, noting that the Congress party’s vision resonated with the electorate. “This election was not fought by the All India Alliance and the Congress party against just one political party. We fought against BJP, a political party, the institutions of India, the entire governance structure of India, the intelligence agencies, the CBI, the ED, half of the judiciary, all of them because Narendra Modi and Amit Shah captured all these institutions, threatened and intimidated the press,” he remarked.
He further credited the poorer sections of society for their role in defending the Constitution. “The poorest people of India have done the work of saving it. The poorest people have done it. The workers have done it. The farmers have done it. The Dalits have done it. The tribals have done it. The backward people have saved this Constitution. This Constitution is the voice of the country,” he asserted.
Echoing Rahul Gandhi’s sentiments, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge praised the electorate for their verdict. “It is people’s victory, and presents the victory of democracy… We have been saying that this is a fight between Modi and people, so in the 18th Lok Sabha elections, we welcome the verdict politely. This time, people did not give complete majority to anyone… BJP tried to gain votes in one name, it is evident that the mandate has gone against Modiji, it is his political and moral defeat,” Kharge commented.
Rahul Gandhi concluded by reaffirming the Congress party’s commitment to its promises, including conducting a caste census and implementing the Mahalakshmi scheme. “The Congress Party stands with you. We will fulfill the promises we made for you,” he assured.
As the final rounds of counting continued, the Election Commission’s updates showed the BJP had secured 237 seats and 4 leading, with the Congress winning 91 and leading in another 8. The Samajwadi Party had won 36 seats, leading in 1 more seat, while the TMC had 29 wins. The results, expected to conclude soon, will determine the formation of the next government, with the INDIA bloc poised to play a significant role in the new political landscape.
