Strong economic growth meant little to millions who are in distress in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s India.
India’s powerhouse economy expanded 8.2 per cent in the 2023 financial year, extending similarly robust top-line growth numbers in the preceding few years.
But this failed to be a vote-winner for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 general election – particularly among the poor and the middle class.
Despite India being the world’s fastest-growing economy and home to some of the world’s wealthiest people, the nation’s economic success has not raised the living standards equitably and, in some instances, worsened income inequalities.
For this, Mr Modi’s incumbent government paid the price.
The BJP’s greatest losses in the election that ended on June 1 came from rural India, which was a stronghold for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the past two terms.
The NDA lost 44 rural seats in 2024 from its tally in 2019, most noticeably in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, and in the western state of Maharashtra, where surveys registered discontent among farmers and young people.
Farmers from the three northern states had mounted huge protests in 2020 and 2021, demanding better crop prices and opposing farm laws passed without consultation. After a long stand-off, Mr Modi was forced to withdraw these laws.
There have also been millions migrating to cities across India searching desperately for meaningful work. Those who managed to return to their home towns seem to have voted for politicians who spoke directly to their situation.
The Congress-led India bloc gained 77 rural seats with an election campaign focused on job creation and improving farmers’ incomes.
Esta historia es de la edición June 06, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 06, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Under-16s need more exposure, says fraternity
There are valuable lessons to be learnt from the Singapore Under-16 football team's defeats at the recent Lion City Cup (LCC), said the community on Oct 8.
Kane given 'all-clear' for Nations League games
LONDON – Captain Harry Kane has been given the green light to remain with England for their upcoming Nations League fixtures on Oct 7, after the striker was examined by Football Association (FA) medical staff.
Historic Ohtani 50-50 ball remains in play as auction continues
LOS ANGELES – The owner of the ball that Shohei Ohtani hit for his historic 50th homer of 2024 remains in dispute, but the souvenir will continue to be auctioned off while legal proceedings continue.
DJOKOVIC STORMS PAST COBOLLI
Serb eases into Shanghai Masters last 16 after days of schedule disruption due to rain
France Rugby plans to impose strict discipline
PARIS - French Rugby Federation (FFR) president Florian Grill announced on Oct 7 an overhaul of the system of discipline in the France teams after a summer tour of Argentina was overshadowed by claims of attempted rape and racism.
CHAMPS GALORE AT SWIM WORLD CUP IN S'PORE
Star-studded cast includes Marchand, Pan, le Clos, McKeown, Zhang and Douglass
BOY XANDER LOOKING FRESH FOR THE TASK
Two-time Kranji winner returns after 29 months out, goes well in training on Oct 8
Turn down the K-pop and pay attention to K-healing
The rise of South Korean books about burnout has taken the world by storm.
How is it that Netanyahu is able to keep defying Biden?
The 'tail wagging the dog' situation is not simply about the power of the 'Israel Lobby'. Other factors in the patron-client relationship are in play too.
Most Asean fund managers avoiding new economy firms
Uncertainty over future returns, growth prospects among factors