Pratap Bhanu Mehta, a prominent political theorist and writer, offers sharp insights into India's shifting political landscape following Narendra Modi's third term without a majority. He discusses the decline of Modi's authority and the implications for democracy amidst rising Hindu nationalism. The conversation dives into the challenges facing the opposition, the precarious state of civil liberties, and India's complex foreign policy aspirations. Mehta emphasizes the critical need for a cohesive opposition and the moral frameworks necessary for effective governance.
The recent elections have highlighted voter fatigue with Modi's administration amidst ongoing economic challenges and dissatisfaction with its achievements.
The opposition faces the critical task of establishing itself as a viable alternative, requiring effective governance and a coherent vision for inclusive democracy.
Deep dives
Modi's Diminishing Authority and Election Surprises
The recent elections in India revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not secure the overwhelming victory many had expected, as his party, the BJP, lost its absolute majority. This outcome signifies a turning point for Indian democracy, which has found new breathing space despite ongoing challenges. Modi's diminished authority is evident in his reduced support in constituencies where he campaigned vigorously, particularly those where he employed highly charged speeches that failed to resonate. His governance is now viewed with a sense of fatigue, prompting questions about the effectiveness of his administration and policies moving forward.
Electoral Fatigue and Economic Concerns
Voter fatigue regarding Modi and his administration's performance has emerged as a significant theme, particularly after a decade of his leadership. The economy, which has not performed as poorly as some opposition claims, has not met the transformative expectations set for Modi, leading many, including previous supporters, to express disappointment. Key issues like stagnant rural wages and lack of substantial job creation have resurfaced, indicating underlying economic struggles that were previously overshadowed by political rhetoric. Furthermore, the BJP's achievements, such as the construction of a prominent temple and revocation of Kashmir's special status, have not satisfied voters' needs for future direction, leaving a sense of exhaustion over the party's Hindu nationalism agenda.
Challenges for Opposition and Electoral Politics
The recent election results have invigorated the opposition, which now faces the challenge of establishing itself as a viable alternative to the BJP in a more assertive manner. As the opposition navigates their new role, they must demonstrate effective governance in states they win to counter the BJP's dominance and the perception that no alternative exists. Critically, they must delineate moral and ideological boundaries by opposing discriminatory practices and policies against minorities while articulating a cohesive vision for India. Their success hinges not only on uniting behind a common cause but also on offering governance strategies that resonate with the electorate’s needs.
Cultural Challenges and the Future of Democracy
Despite the electoral setbacks for the BJP, the underlying cultural project fueled by Hindu nationalism continues to pose significant challenges for Indian democracy. While Modi's regime may have faced recent electoral disappointment, there are ongoing issues with violence against minority communities and cultural polarization that require robust opposition. The judicial system and freedom of expression also remain critical areas of scrutiny, as the judiciary has shown some signs of independence but has not fully broken free from political influence. Therefore, the immediate future of India's democracy depends on how effectively the opposition can leverage its new power to amplify civil liberties and foster a more inclusive political environment.
In June, Narendra Modi was sworn in for a third consecutive term as India’s prime minister. But—in a surprise outcome—his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, failed to win a parliamentary majority. Now, for the first time, Modi sits atop a coalition government—and India’s path forward appears far less certain, and far more interesting, than seemed plausible not long ago.
Pratap Bhanu Mehta is one of India’s wisest political observers—a great political theorist and writer as well as a fierce critic, and occasional target, of Modi and his policies. Foreign Affairs Senior Editor Kanishk Tharoor spoke with him on September 3 about what the election means for Indian democracy and where the country goes from here.