The 18th Lok Sabha, featuring a BJP-led majority and a strong opposition, presents a dynamic mix of challenges and opportunities for governance and re
By Prime Point Srinivasan, Managing Editor
This is Editorial 1 published in the June 2024 edition of eMagazine PreSense
(The 18th Lok Sabha, featuring a BJP-led majority and a strong opposition, presents a dynamic mix of challenges and opportunities for governance and reform.)
The 18th Lok Sabha has now been constituted, with nearly 900 million people participating in the electoral process. India proudly holds the title of the world's largest democracy with a mature electoral system. PreSense congratulates the Election Commission and the newly elected Members of Parliament of this 18th Lok Sabha.
PreSense is also proud that 16 Sansad Ratna Awardees who contested have returned to the Lok Sabha, with three becoming Ministers in the Modi Cabinet. Pro-Term Speaker Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, a recipient of the Sansad Ratna Award for the 16th and 17th Lok Sabhas, administered oath of office to all MPs. As we write this editorial, the Hon’ble President has addressed the joint session of both Houses, setting the stage for proceedings. This distinctive Lok Sabha features a majority ruling alliance alongside a strong opposition, which places added responsibilities on both sides. The mix of opportunities and challenges they face will undoubtedly make this 18th Lok Sabha dynamic.
Opportunities and Challenges for the Ruling Alliance
Led by Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies have secured 294 seats, just 22 seats above the halfway mark of 272. This time, the BJP won only 240 seats, falling 32 seats short of a majority on its own, but managed to form the government with support from its allies. Several sitting Ministers were also defeated; even Narendra Modi won by a reduced margin. Various factors contributed to these outcomes, including the perceived authoritarian attitude of the ruling party leaders, their disconnect with the populace, an unhelpful demeanour broadly observed among leaders, rising unemployment, and escalating prices. The BJP must view this as a chance for introspection and rectifying the past decade's mistakes.
In the last ten years, the BJP has introduced numerous welfare schemes and reform processes, including a digital revolution. Now, in government, again, they should review these initiatives and enhance them. However, it's also noted that many schemes haven’t effectively reached those most in need at the grassroots level, which calls for a thorough assessment.
Previously, with a weak opposition in the 16th and 17th Lok Sabha, the BJP managed parliamentary procedures lightly, often passing crucial bills without adequate discussion or in the absence of opposition members, sometimes designating them as finance bills without the usual committee referrals. Now, with a stronger opposition, such tactics are unlikely to continue. Additionally, the BJP faced internal challenges, including discontent from its own allies and the RSS, which reportedly scaled back its campaign efforts due to disagreements with the BJP leadership. Maintaining a harmonious relationship with the RSS will be crucial for the BJP as it prepares for future elections. Moreover, if the BJP fails to address widespread economic issues like price hikes and unemployment effectively, it could face significant backlash in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Opportunities and Challenges for Opposition Parties
After a decade, the Indian National Congress (INC) has secured 99 seats, qualifying it to appoint a Leader of the Opposition (LoP). Rahul Gandhi has donned this role. The INDI Alliance has a total of 230 seats. Despite forming an alliance, in States like Kerala and West Bengal, the partners contested against each other without a coordinated strategy. The INC and other opposition parties now have substantial opportunities to voice their opinions within the Lok Sabha and to oversee government operations. During the previous term, Congress and others often resorted to shouting and boycotting sessions over trivial matters.
Dr. Sudarsana Nachiappan, a senior Congress leader and former Minister in the UPA Government, feels that the opposition's approach during the last term, which included staging protests inside and outside the House and at the Gandhi Statue for minor issues is not constructive. He advises that the Congress, under Rahul Gandhi's leadership, should prepare thoroughly and engage constructively in parliamentary discussions. He suggests that Rahul Gandhi should consider forming a shadow cabinet similar to those in the UK Parliament to enhance the party's effectiveness.
Though Rahul Gandhi had the opportunity to assume a significant role in the UPA government, he declined any such responsibilities. His attire and public behaviour have led to perceptions of him as a ‘non-serious politician’ for over a decade. It seems he lacks senior advisors and mentors who could adequately brief him on historical contexts. On several occasions, Rahul Gandhi was embroiled in controversies for misstating information at public events, contradicting his party's established policies and decisions. Occasionally, these missteps required him to issue apologies in court. Lacking effective mentorship appears to be a recurring issue. Now that he holds the position of Leader of the Opposition, equivalent to a Cabinet Minister, the country will be observing his actions with keen interest. This period presents Rahul Gandhi with a significant opportunity to establish himself as a prime ministerial candidate, especially given that his allies did not nominate him as a PM candidate for the 2014, 2019, and 2024 elections.
Unfortunately, the opposition parties caused a commotion in both Houses, resulting in adjournments even on the first day of sitting after the President’s Address. Although protocol requires prioritising the ‘Motion of Thanks’ to the President, the opposition demanded a discussion on the NEET issue, despite the Government’s promise to address it after the Motion of Thanks. Or the Opposition could have used the ‘Motion of Thanks’ itself to talk about NEET issues. The opposition parties should remember that the people elected them in large numbers to discuss their problems in the House, not to create a disturbance.
Democracy Prevails
The 2024 elections have once again underscored the strength of Indian democracy. The 900 million voters have sent a clear message to both ruling and opposition parties, mandating them to govern responsibly. PreSense is optimistic that both sides will collaborate effectively to utilise public resources wisely and foster national development.
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For the largest democracy in the world, this is such a thorough analysis!
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