The Complex Dynamics of Indian Election

Indian Election

The Electoral Machinery:

The Electoral machine was proposed in 1977 and the Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL) was tasked with the development of the same. In 1979, a working model was developed and was showcased to various political parties on 6 August 1980. The Supreme Court of India ruled that sections 59-61 of the Representation of People Act 1951 specified paper ballots and it, therefore, forbade the use of any other technology including electronic voting. The court stated that the use of an alternate technology would require the Indian parliament to amend the law.

Rajya Sabha Election Process: 

In Indian Parliament consists of two houses namely the Lok Sabha and the Rajas Sabha with the president of India acting as their head now unlike the Lok Sabha members of the upper house are not directly elected by the public but by the elected representatives of state and union territories so basically Rajya Sabha MPS are elected by MLS through a system of proportional representation using transferable vote. 

Now to be a member of the Rajya Sabha one should be a citizen of India and above 30 years of age they must have relevant qualifications as prescribed by the parliament and the fixed term of a member of the upper house of parliament is 6 years however if a member is elected in a by-election then he or she will serve only for the remainder of the term of the vacant seat. now the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250 currently there are 238 members representing the states and union Territories, and 12 members nominated by the President. 

The number of votes required by a candidate to win the seat depends on the number of vacancies and the strength of the House of Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution as one-third of its members retire every second India. now this is how the election process works rage ballot paper bears the names of the candidates and the MLA marks is preferences for the candidates with figures 1 2 3 4  and so on against the names chosen by him and his marking is understood to be an alternative in the order indicated the candidate that gets ranks one from an MLA secures a first preference vote now this number depends on the strength of the stat assembly and the number of MPS it sends to Rajya Sabha own remember.

Major Political Parties in India

India has a vibrant and diverse political landscape by a multitude of political parties at both the national and state levels. The major political parties in India Include:

1. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):  

       Established : 1980

The BJP was formed as the political wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), succeeding the Bharatiya jana sangh, which merged with other parties to from the Janata Party in 1977. The Janata Party dissolved in 1980, leading to the re-establishment of the BJP.

Predecessor: Bharatiya Jana Singh

The BJP advocates for the cultural nationalism of Hindutva, promoting the values and traditions of Hindu culture. It supports conservative policies, economic liberalism, and market-friendly reforms. Emphasizes strong national defense, unity, and sovereignty.

BJP Focuses on development, infrastructure projects, and economic growth with policies like "Make in India" and "Digital India."

Advocates for social welfare programs while promoting traditional family values and nationalistic education.

Current Leader Narendra Modi, who has been the Prime Minister of India since 2014.

The BJP has a hierarchical structure with a President at the top, followed by a National Executive, state units, and grassroots workers. Economic Reforms Implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), demonetization of high-value currency notes in 2016, and promoting foreign direct investment.

Social Initiatives Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), Ujjwala Yojana (providing cooking gas connections to rural households), and Jan Dhan Yojana (financial inclusion).

Infrastructure of  Major projects like Bharatmala (road development), Sagarmala (port development), and modernization of railways.

National Security Strong stance on defense, counter-terrorism measures, and surgical strikes against terrorism.

2014 and 2019 General Elections The BJP won significant majorities in both elections, leading the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition.

State Politics the BJP has a strong presence in many Indian states, forming governments either independently or in coalition with regional allies.

Members of Bharatiya Janata Party:

Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India, known for his leadership and economic reforms.

Amit Shah Home Minister and former BJP President, influential in party strategy and election management.

Rajnath Singh Defense Minister, senior BJP leader with a background in state and national politics.

Yogi Adityanath Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, known for his strong stance on law and order and Hindu nationalist rhetoric.

National Democratic Alliance (NDA):

The NDA is a coalition led by the BJP, including several regional and national parties.

Shiv Sena (until 2019 in Maharashtra, now often in opposition), Janata Dal (United) in Bihar, and Akali Dal in Punjab (until 2020)

RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) The ideological parent organization of the BJP, promoting Hindu nationalism and volunteerism.

VHP (Vishva Hindu Parishad) A religious organization focused on Hindu unity and revivalism.

ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) A student organization aligned with RSS and BJP ideology.

2. Indian National Congress  (INC): 

Established: 1885

Founders: Allan Octavian Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Dinshaw Wacha

The INC played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement against British rule, led by iconic leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The INC champions secularism, advocating for the separation of religion from state affairs and promoting religious harmony. It supports progressive social policies, economic welfare programs, and inclusive growth.

Social Liberalism is Focuses on social justice, affirmative action for marginalized communities, and poverty alleviation. Advocates for a mixed economy with both public and private sectors playing significant roles.

Current Leader: Mallikarjun Kharge (President of INC)

Prominent Figures: Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi play significant roles within the party, with Rahul Gandhi being a prominent face for electoral campaigns and political strategies.

Organizational Structure: The party has a structured hierarchy with a President, a Working Committee, state units, and grassroots workers..

Major Achievements and Policies:

Independence Movement: Leading the struggle for India's independence from British colonial rule.

Post-Independence Leadership: The INC has governed India for the majority of its post-independence period, with policies that shaped the nation’s socio-economic framework.

Economic Reforms: Under Prime Ministers like P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, the INC initiated liberalization policies in 1991, transforming India’s economy.

Social Welfare: Enacted landmark legislations like the Right to Information Act, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and the Right to Education Act.

The INC was the dominant political force in India for several decades post-independence.

The party has faced significant challenges from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in recent national and state elections, leading to a decline in its political dominance.

Members of Indian National Congress: 

Jawaharlal Nehru: The first Prime Minister of India and a central figure in shaping modern India's political and economic policies.

Indira Gandhi: First and only female Prime Minister of India, known for her centralizing policies and the controversial Emergency period.

Rajiv Gandhi: Prime Minister who initiated early technological and economic reforms.

Manmohan Singh: Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, known for economic liberalization and policies aimed at social development.

Challenges and Criticisms:

The party has faced internal leadership challenges and has been criticized for dynastic politics.  Significant losses in the 2014 and 2019 general elections to the BJP. Faced criticism for corruption scandals and perceived inefficiency during its governance periods.

Youth and Women's Wings:

Indian Youth Congress (IYC): The youth wing of the INC, aimed at mobilizing young voters and future leaders.

All India Mahila Congress (AIMC): The women's wing, focusing on issues related to women’s rights and empowerment.

3. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): 

Established: 2012

Founders: Arvind Kejriwal 

Other key members of the India Against Corruption movement, which was a significant anti-corruption crusade led by activist Anna Hazare.

The party emerged from the mass protests against corruption, specifically in response to the perceived inadequacies of existing political parties in addressing corruption and governance issues.

Populism focuses on policies and initiatives that directly benefit the common man (Aam Aadmi).

The core ideology revolves around fighting corruption and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. Adopts a pragmatic approach to policy-making, not strictly adhering to traditional left or right ideologies. Emphasizes efficient and honest administration, improved public services, and participatory democracy.

Leadership and Structure:

Current Leader: Arvind Kejriwal, who is also the Chief Minister of Delhi.

The AAP has a decentralized structure with a National Executive, state units, and a strong grassroots presence. It promotes active participation from its volunteers and supporters in decision-making processes.

Major Achievements and Policies:

Electoral Success in Delhi: The AAP has formed the government in Delhi multiple times, first in a brief stint in 2013-2014 and then with sweeping victories in 2015 and 2020.

-Governance Reforms: Introduced measures to curb corruption, such as the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill, and implemented policies to increase transparency in government operations.

Education: Significant reforms in Delhi’s education system, including infrastructure improvements in government schools, introduction of Happiness Curriculum, and focus on teacher training.

Healthcare: Launched the Mohalla Clinics initiative, providing accessible and affordable primary healthcare services in local neighborhoods.

Utilities and Services: Subsidized electricity and water supply in Delhi, improving access to these essential services for the common people.

Members of Aam Admi Party:

Arvind Kejriwal: Founding member and current Chief Minister of Delhi, known for his strong stance against corruption and innovative governance initiatives.

Manish Sisodia: Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, instrumental in implementing educational reforms.

Satyendar Jain: Minister in the Delhi government, responsible for health and other portfolios.

AAP achieved a landslide victory in the 2015 and 2020 Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, securing 67 out of 70 seats and 62 out of 70 seats, respectively. AAP has been expanding its influence beyond Delhi, making inroads in states like Punjab, where it became the main opposition in the 2017 state elections and formed the government in 2022.

Challenges and Criticisms:

Expansion Beyond Delhi: While successful in Delhi, AAP faces challenges in replicating its success in other states.

Internal Disputes: The party has experienced internal conflicts and high-profile exits of key members, which have raised concerns about its organizational coherence.

Policy Criticisms: Some critics argue that the party's populist measures may not be sustainable in the long term and question its approach to certain economic policies.

Youth and Women's Wings:

Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS): The student wing of AAP, active in various universities and educational institutions.

Aam Aadmi Party Mahila Shakti: The women's wing focusing on issues related to women’s rights and empowerment.

4. All Indian Trinamool Congress: 

Established: 1998

The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC or TMC) is a significant political party in India, with its primary stronghold in the state of West Bengal. Here is a detailed explanation of the party:

Founder: Mamata Banerjee

A prominent Indian politician, founded the TMC on January 1, 1998, after splitting from the Indian National Congress (INC).

The party's ideology is a blend of social democracy and regionalism. It focuses on addressing regional issues, promoting federalism, and advocating for the decentralization of power. TMC aims to provide governance that prioritizes social justice, economic development, and the welfare of the common people.

TMC first gained prominence in West Bengal's political landscape by challenging the long-standing dominance of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front.

The party's major breakthrough came in the 2011 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, where it ended the 34-year rule of the Left Front. Mamata Banerjee became the first female Chief Minister of West Bengal.

TMC consolidated its position with successive victories in the 2016 and 2021 state elections, securing consecutive terms and reinforcing its dominance in West Bengal politics.

TMC holds seats in both houses of the Indian Parliament, the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The party plays a significant role in national politics, particularly by voicing regional concerns and opposing central government policies perceived as unfavorable to West Bengal.

TMC has sought to expand its influence beyond West Bengal by contesting elections in other states and forming alliances with regional parties. It aims to build a broader coalition to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) at the national level.

 Leadership

Mamata Banerjee: Known for her strong and charismatic leadership, Mamata Banerjee is the driving force behind TMC. Her grassroots approach, mass appeal, and commitment to social justice have been crucial in maintaining the party's popularity and electoral success.

Party Structure: TMC's organizational structure includes various committees and units at the state, district, and local levels, ensuring effective implementation of policies and close contact with the electorate.

Social Justice and Welfare: TMC prioritizes programs aimed at uplifting marginalized communities, women, and economically disadvantaged groups.

Economic Development: The party emphasizes sustainable economic growth, industrialization, and employment generation.

Cultural Identity: TMC actively works to preserve and promote Bengali culture, heritage, and language.

5. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP):

Established*: 1984

Founder: Kanshi Ram

The BSP was founded to represent the Bahujans, a term that refers to the majority of oppressed and marginalized communities in India, including Dalits, Adivasis (Scheduled Tribes), OBCs, and religious minorities.

The party draws inspiration from B.R. Ambedkar, a key architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion for the rights of Dalits and other marginalized groups. Advocates for the upliftment and empowerment of socially disadvantaged communities through affirmative action, social justice, and economic redistribution. Strongly opposes the caste system and works towards eradicating caste-based discrimination and inequalities. Promotes a secular state where all religions are treated equally, and religious harmony is maintained.

Current Leader: Mayawati, a prominent Dalit leader and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

The BSP has a hierarchical structure with a National President, state units, and a network of grassroots workers. The party’s decisions are often centralized, with significant influence wielded by the party leader.

Major Achievements and Policies:

Electoral Success in Uttar Pradesh: The BSP has formed the government in Uttar Pradesh (India’s most populous state) several times, with Mayawati serving as Chief Minister in four non-consecutive terms (1995, 1997, 2002-2003, 2007-2012).

Implemented various welfare schemes for Dalits, including housing, education, and employment initiatives.

Focused on the development of infrastructure, including the construction of parks, memorials, and statues dedicated to Dalit leaders and icons.

Emphasized maintaining law and order during its tenure in Uttar Pradesh, which was aimed at providing a sense of security among marginalized communities.

Members of Bahujan Samaj Party:

Kanshi Ram: Founder of the BSP and a pivotal figure in mobilizing Dalits and other marginalized groups into a political force.

Mayawati: The most prominent leader of the BSP, known for her strong leadership and advocacy for Dalit rights and social justice.

National Level: The BSP has been a significant player in national politics, although its influence has fluctuated over time. It has won seats in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s Parliament) and has been part of various coalition governments.

State Level: The BSP's most notable successes have been in Uttar Pradesh, where it has formed the state government multiple times. It also has a presence in other states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab, but with varying degrees of success.

Challenges and Criticisms:

The party has faced criticism for its centralized decision-making process and the dominant influence of Mayawati.

In recent years, the BSP has struggled to maintain its electoral base, facing significant competition from other parties, particularly the BJP and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh.

While the BSP has been praised for its social justice initiatives, it has also faced criticism for issues related to corruption and the prioritization of symbolic politics over substantive policy changes.

BAMCEF (Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation):

BAMCEF is a social organization associated with the BSP, focused on mobilizing employees from backward and minority communities to fight for their rights and representation.

DS4 (Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangharsh Samiti):

 An earlier movement led by Kanshi Ram, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of the BSP by organizing Dalits and other oppressed communities.

Conclusion:  

The 2024 Indian general election are a Testment to the robustness of Indian democracy. As the world watches, India is not just choosing its leaders; it's shaping its future.

Indian Election 2024 schedule: