Looking back at 2024: The biggest events that shaped Indian politics
Dec 25, 2024
auto_awesome
Neerja Chowdhury, a veteran journalist and contributing editor at The Indian Express, dives into the defining moments of Indian politics in 2024. She highlights how the Ram Temple's consecration shifted Hindu sentiments and examined key election outcomes. The discussion includes the emergent role of women in politics, driven by initiatives like the women's reservation bill, and the evolving dynamics among Dalit and OBC voters. Chowdhury also reflects on the BJP's relationship with the RSS and external influences shaping India's future political landscape.
The 2024 general elections revealed a critical voter push for stronger opposition, reflecting a maturation of India's democratic process.
Women's empowerment through targeted welfare schemes significantly altered political dynamics, encouraging women to vote independently and assert their agency.
Deep dives
Reflections on the 2024 General Elections
The outcome of the 2024 general elections in India revealed a significant shift in the political landscape, with the ruling party securing only 240 seats, contrary to their expectations of over 400. This result was interpreted by many as a collective check by the voters on the government’s exercise of power. Ordinary citizens expressed concerns over perceived excesses of power during the campaign, reflecting a maturation of India’s democratic process. Importantly, this election demonstrated that voters wanted the leadership of the Prime Minister but also desired a stronger opposition to keep their governance in check.
Significance of Women's Empowerment in Politics
Women’s empowerment emerged as a critical theme in the political dynamics of 2024, particularly through government welfare schemes that provided financial assistance directly to women. This money not only enhanced their economic independence but also instilled a sense of agency in their political choices, as many expressed confidence to vote independently of their husbands. The adoption of such welfare measures encouraged women to become a significant electoral constituency, which political parties cannot afford to overlook. The trend signifies a transformative shift in the political landscape, with women poised to play a more influential role in upcoming elections.
The Role of Dalit Voters in Shaping Political Outcomes
The Dalit community's voting patterns exerted considerable influence over the election results in 2024, particularly against the background of concerns regarding potential changes to their constitutional protections. Many Dalit voters who previously supported the ruling party shifted their allegiance due to fears of losing their reservation rights, complicating the BJP's hold over this demographic. Conversely, in subsequent state elections, some Dalits returned to support the BJP, illustrating the fluidity of voter allegiance based on immediate concerns and party responses. This ebb and flow among Dalit voters highlights their crucial role in determining electoral outcomes and the need for parties to address their specific interests effectively.
Veteran journalist and contributing editor at The Indian Express, Neerja Chowdhury, joins us to kick off our year-end series and discuss some of the most significant moments that defined Indian politics this year.
Hosted and produced by Shashank Bhargava Audio clips sourced by Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode