Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to his supporters from atop a vehicle during the Bharatiya Janata Party’s campaign ahead of national elections in Hyderabad on March 15. Photo: AFP
Opinion
K.S. Venkatachalam
K.S. Venkatachalam
How the Indian opposition’s Modi obsession is hurting the country
While India has made great economic strides under Narendra Modi, there are fears over his governance style and trampling of civil liberties
However, opposition parties appear more focused on attacking Modi than offering a viable alternative to the ruling BJP
Recent opinion polls indicate that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are poised for victory in the 2024 elections, solidifying their hold on power for a third consecutive term. Political analysts predict the BJP and its allies could secure between 300 to 350 seats, comfortably surpassing the 272-seat threshold for a parliamentary majority.
India, under Modi’s stewardship, has unquestionably experienced significant economic advancement, growing from being the world’s 10th-largest economy to the fifth largest. According to S&P Global Ratings, India is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030.
Modi’s implementation of free-food programmes and substantial subsidies targeting farmers, women and the impoverished has garnered him widespread populist support. Two notable achievements – the successful hosting of the Group of 20 summit and India’s lunar rover landing – have elevated Modi’s standing on the global stage.
Nevertheless, apprehensions have been raised about Modi’s governance style, characterised by tendencies towards autocracy. Recent alterations to the process of appointing election commissioners, which excluded the chief justice of India from the selection committee, have drawn scrutiny over the fairness of such appointments.
Moreover, accusations of stifling press freedoms and targeting critics through corruption allegations have generated significant concern. Criticism extends to the perceived unequal treatment of politicians facing corruption charges, with some individuals seemingly receiving leniency after affiliating with the ruling party. Such instances of preferential treatment undermine the credibility of India’s democratic institutions.
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Why India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is so controversial
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Notably, the Supreme Court of India invalidated the electoral bond scheme, deeming it unconstitutional. Under this scheme, companies and individuals could anonymously donate funds to political parties. The ruling BJP emerged as the primary beneficiary, having collected more than 82.5 billion rupees (US$990 million) since 2018, while the main opposition Congress party received less than a quarter of that amount.
Additionally, Modi faces criticism for the high unemployment rate and allegations of insufficient job creation. Yet, while widespread criticism of Modi’s leadership has emerged, it is unlikely to significantly change the election results, given that about 80 per cent of the population maintains a favourable view of him.
A notable factor contributing to the erosion of India’s democratic fabric is the perceived absence of a robust opposition. Congress has struggled to effectively challenge the ruling BJP, partly because of leadership issues and a decline in electoral performance since Modi assumed office in 2014.
A vibrant opposition is indispensable for the vitality of any democracy, serving as a crucial check on power and championing democratic values such as accountability and transparency. Recognising this imperative, 26 opposition parties – including Congress – have forged a united front known as the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance. However, the lack of a charismatic leader capable of confronting Modi and the BJP poses a significant obstacle.
Large cut-outs of India’s Congress party leaders Sonia Gandhi (centre) and her son Rahul Gandhi are displayed behind their supporters during a rally in Mumbai on March 17, ahead of national elections. More than two dozen opposition parties are campaigning jointly on a pledge to tackle rising economic distress. Photo: AFP
Furthermore, a robust opposition acts as a bulwark against authoritarian tendencies and the concentration of power. In democratic systems where checks and balances are enshrined in constitutional frameworks, the opposition plays a pivotal role in upholding the separation of powers and thwarting executive overreach.
By challenging legislative excesses, advocating for judicial independence and safeguarding civil liberties, opposition parties help preserve the delicate balance between state authority and individual freedoms.
The resilience of Indian democracy hinges on the presence of a vigorous opposition capable of holding the government accountable and amplifying diverse voices. Cultivating an environment conducive to oppositional politics is imperative for safeguarding democratic principles and forestalling the erosion of democratic norms in India.
Unfortunately, the opposition’s focus on targeting Modi, rather than presenting a coherent alternative economic agenda, has hindered its ability to offer a viable alternative.
K.S. Venkatachalam is an independent writer based in Bengaluru, India
