Modi Gang Robs Third Term in Controversy and Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
Sarah Zulfiqar
Publishing date: 06 June 2024
The recent Indian general election which resulted in Narendra Modi’s alliance securing a third consecutive term has been notorious due to controversy and allegations of electoral malpractice. Despite Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) falling short of an independent majority, their alliance managed to scrape through, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process. Initially projected to lose the elections, the Hindu extremist party managed to supposedly win by a narrow margin which is a somewhat evident consequence of malpractices in the electoral process.
If the electoral campaign is observed from its beginning to its end, it can be seen that throughout the campaign, accusations of Modi’s malpractices to manipulate the elections have been chanted all over the social media. Critics have pointed to various tactics employed by the ruling party, including the manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), suppression of opposition voices, and the dissemination of misleading exit poll data.
The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) which are meant to be a tool for free and fair elections have allegedly been manipulated by the BJP gang in order to turn the results of elections in their favor. The devices that were initially installed to enhance the credibility of the elections have been utilized as a tool of fraud to the Indian public. One of the most concerning aspects of the election has been the reliability of these EVMs. Critics argue that these machines are susceptible to tampering, raising doubts about the accuracy and fairness of the electoral process. Reports of malfunctioning machines and irregularities at polling stations have only fueled suspicions of foul play.
Additionally, BJP is known for its extremist group like mentality along with having goons and gangs in the name of political workers in order to suppress the voices of opposition political parties. In addition to concerns about electoral manipulation, there have been allegations of the suppression of opposition parties. Reports of intimidation, harassment, and violence against opposition candidates and supporters have raised serious doubts about the fairness of the electoral playing field. Political rivals, particularly Rahul Gandhi of congress, was attacked due to his active political campaign. The primary beneficiary of all such attacks on rival political parties is none other than BJP. If an analysis of events is conducted, it becomes somewhat evident that all such attacks connect the dots towards the involvement of BJP.
Furthermore, the widespread use of exit polls has come under scrutiny. These polls, which were broadcast after voting ended painted a rosy picture for Modi and his BJP, projecting a decisive victory. However, many have questioned the credibility of these polls, suggesting that they may have been manipulated to sway public perception in favor of the ruling party. All these propaganda tactics are now known by the public and there will be no doubt to say that Indian public is robbed of a clean and clear elections due to the Modi’s lust for power at any cost. The power greedy BJP has used every malicious tactic to inflict harm to others and to steer the attention of public away from their true heinous face which includes violence on children, women and minorities may it be Manipur or Gujrat. The Safron politics backed by an extremist RSS ideology is what is imposed on India for its next political term.
Despite these challenges, Modi’s alliance managed to rob a narrow majority, albeit with significantly fewer seats than in previous elections. The reduced margin of victory highlights the growing discontent with Modi’s leadership and the increasing polarization within Indian society. It is evident that even the Indian public is fed up with Modi’s jingoism, Extremism and RSS backed politics which is harming India by creating a hollow in the societal fabric of a multicultural and multireligious India. Such manipulations are a big question mark on the projected secular and democratic face of India. Is this how a democratic country conducts its elections which is shrouded in mysteries of manipulation by an extremist political hindu nationalist party? Is it the real image of wannabe great leaders of RSS? Questions are rising and questions are valid.
As the dust settles on the unfair means used in the Indian general elections of 2004, the focus now shifts to the implications of Modi’s controversial win. Many fear that his continued rule will only trigger more divisions and undermine democratic principles in India and its fall out on the regional peace and security which has been quite disturbed since the reign of Modi. The international community will be closely watching developments in the world’s largest democracy, as concerns about the erosion of democratic norms continue to mount. It can be projected fairly that this third term will be a disaster for not only India but it will also introduce a wave of new problems for the south Asian region and international stability.