The Election Commission of India has declared the results for 542 out of 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 240 seats, while the Indian National Congress has secured 99 seats. Despite the Lok Sabha having 543 members, the results were announced for 542 seats as the BJP's candidate from Surat, Mukesh Dalal, was elected unopposed.

BJP's Third Consecutive Term

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to form the government for a third consecutive term with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) securing a majority in the Lok Sabha. This follows a fiercely contested election viewed as a referendum on Modi's leadership. Although the BJP's tally of 240 seats in 2024 Lok Sabha election results falls short of the 272 majority mark, the NDA coalition has crossed the halfway mark with support from key allies.

BJP's Performance Compared to Previous Elections

The BJP, which had previously won 303 seats in 2019 and 282 seats in 2014, needs the support of its allies in the NDA to form the government this time. The BJP's candidates, who campaigned extensively in the name of Modi, have experienced a significant reduction in seats.

NDA Coalition Partners' Contributions

The NDA's coalition partners, including N Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), have played crucial roles in crossing the majority mark. The TDP won 16 seats in Andhra Pradesh, and the JD(U) secured 12 seats in Bihar, helping the NDA comfortably surpass the 273-seat threshold.

Congress and the Opposition's Gains

The Congress, part of the opposition INDIA bloc, has improved its performance in 2024 Lok Sabha election results, winning 99 seats compared to 52 in 2019. This increase has eroded the BJP's share in key states like Rajasthan and Haryana. Other significant opposition victories include the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh with 37 seats and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, which increased its tally from 22 to 29 seats. The BJP's performance in West Bengal saw a decrease from 18 seats to 12.

A Mixed Electoral Outcome for BJP

The BJP faced significant setbacks in its traditional strongholds of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. However, the party made notable gains in states like Odisha, Telangana, and Kerala, showcasing a mixed electoral performance across the country.

The Opposition INDIA Bloc's Impact

The unified opposition bloc under the banner of INDIA has shown substantial strength, securing leads in approximately 230 seats. This collective effort by opposition parties against the BJP and its policies has posed a formidable challenge to the ruling party's dominance.

Prime Minister Modi's Response to the Election Outcome

In his address to BJP workers at the party headquarters in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the support received and reiterated his commitment to leading India into a new era of development and decision-making. He emphasized that the NDA government, in its third term, will continue to focus on governance reforms and economic growth.

Modi's Assurance of Stability and Progress

Prime Minister Modi's speech highlighted the people's continued faith in the BJP and the NDA's governance model. He reassured the nation of stability and progress, promising that the NDA government will write new chapters in decision-making and governance.

Regional Insights: States Where BJP Gained and Lost

Gains in Odisha, Telangana, and Kerala

In Odisha, the BJP won 19 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats, a significant victory that reflects the party's growing influence in the state. Telangana also saw the BJP making inroads, gaining several seats that indicate a shift in the political landscape. In Kerala, traditionally a stronghold of the left-leaning parties, the BJP's performance was noteworthy as it won a few crucial seats, marking its presence in the state.

Setbacks in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan

Conversely, the BJP experienced considerable losses in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. These regions, which had previously been BJP strongholds, witnessed a decline in the party's vote share and seat count, signaling a need for introspection and strategy recalibration.

Total Seat Tally

Data Source : https://www.aajtak.in/elections/political-party-alliances

Future Prospects for BJP and NDA

Coalition Dynamics and Government Formation

With the BJP falling short of a majority on its own, the dynamics within the NDA coalition will be crucial for stable governance. The support from regional allies and their integration into the central decision-making process will play a pivotal role in the NDA's effectiveness over the next term.

Focus Areas for the New Government

The newly formed government is expected to prioritize economic recovery, job creation, and social welfare programs. Infrastructure development, digital transformation, and agricultural reforms are likely to be key focus areas, aiming to boost India's growth trajectory and improve living standards.

Conclusion

The 2024 Lok Sabha election results highlight a dynamic political landscape in India. The BJP's ability to secure 240 seats, despite falling short of a majority, underscores its continued relevance in Indian politics. The NDA's coalition strength and the opposition's resurgence reflect a vibrant democratic process. As Prime Minister Modi prepares for his third term, the focus will be on delivering on promises and navigating the complexities of coalition governance to drive India's progress.