As 2024 draws to a close and 2025 approaches, it is time to reflect on a year that gave twists and turns to India’s political scene. The year was marked by unexpected and shocking outcomes and significant power shifts that might have long-lasting effects on Indian politics. Here is a look at major political events that defined India in 2024.
1 Lok Sabha Elections 2024
The General Elections held between 19th April and 1st June in seven phases were monumental. Despite Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) failing to meet their ambitious target of ‘400 seats’, the NDA managed to retain power, securing a clear majority. PM Narendra Modi was sworn in for a historic third term, while opposition bloc, INDI alliance, found themselves in tough spot. The Congress did manage a mod3est increase it its seat count from 52 to 99, but the NDA held firm. NDA managed to win 295 seats while INDI alliance won 231 seats. Party wise position in 543 seats of Lok Sabha: BJP 240, Congress 99, SP 37, TMC-29, DMK 22, TDP 16, JDU 12, Shiv Sena (UBT) 9, Shiv Sena 7, NCP 8, and balance with smaller parties.
2 Maharashtra Assembly Elections
After a disappointing showing in 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP made a dramatic recovery in Maharashtra. Winning 132 seats out of 149 contested, the BJP, along with Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP formed a formidable alliance that dominated the state assembly. Te results came as blow to Maha Vikas Aghadi ( of Congress, Sharad Pawars’s NCP and Uddhav Thackrey’s Shiv sena). It was Congress’s worst performance in Maharashtra assembly elections. The party position in the assembly with 288 seats in 9 is: Mahayuti 237 ( BJP 132, Shiv Sena 57, NCP 41 , balance with smaller parties), MVA 48 ( SS UBT 20, NCP SP 10, Congress 16 and balance with smaller parties).
3 Jammu and Kashmir Elections
After a long hiatus, J&K held its assembly elections in 2024, the first since the abrogation of Article 330 in 2019. Omar Abdullah’s National Conference’s alliance (NC) made a strong comeback with 42 seats, while the BJP 29, and Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP, once a dominant force in the region saw its influence waning, winning just 3 seats. Congress was in alliance with NC.
4 Haryana Elections
In Haryana, the BJP stunned the political analyst by retaining power despite predictions off strong anti-incumbency sentiments. A timely change in leadership, with Nayab Singh Saini replacing Manohar Lal Khattar, and strategic ticket distribution worked in favour of the Party, securing another victory. The party position in assembly with 90 seats is BJP 48, Congress 37 and balance with smaller parties.
5 Arvind Kejriwal’s Resignation as Delhi CM
In a surprise turn of events, and political pressure at its peak, Arvind Kejriwal resigned in September 2024, stepping down from his post after series on controversies, including the excise policy scam case where he spent about six months in jail. He resigned few after he was given the bail. He handed over the reins of Chief Minister to Atishi, marking a significant political shift in the AAP.
6 Hemant Soren Jailed and Rebounds to Power
Jharkhand’s CM Hemant Soren’s 2024 journey was nothing short of dramatic. He started the year in jail over an alleged landscape case but bounced back with resilience. After securing bail, he contested the Jharkhand’s Assembly election and led his party Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) to victory. The party wise position in the assembly INDI alliance 56 (JMM 36, Congress 10 and balance with others), NDA 24.
7 Manipur Crisis
The ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur, which began in May 2023, continued to rage throughout 2024. The situation showed no signs of resolution with multiple incidences of violence continuing to deteriorate the state’s stability. The ongoing crisis posed a challenge to both the state and central governments.
8 Naveen Patnaik’s Unexpected Defeat
This year dealt a serious blow to Naveen Patnaik, the long-term Chief Minister of Odisha. In an unexpected turn of events Patnaik’s BJD was defeated by the BJP in the state elections. Patnaik who ruled Odisha for 24 years saw his party’s seats reduced to 51, while the BJP emerged victorious with 78 seats.
9 Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi who contested from both Wayand and Rae Bareily in 2024 General elections, won from both the constituencies. He chose to retain Rae Bareili, and vacated Wayand. The by poll of Wayand was won by his sister Priyanka Gandhi, who entered the political scene officially.
In the end, from the historic Lok Sabha elections to dramatic state-level victories and defeats, the year 2024 has et the stage for an even more eventful 2025. As we move into the new year, these events will continue to shape the discourse and decisions that define India’s political future.
Waiting for your feedback on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
26th December 2024
Friends, today’s blog is a milestone blog, this being 200th blog of the year 2024