Election Results 2024: Rise of Rahul Gandhi, regional satraps, and fall of Modi stocks - How Lok Sabha polls changed Indian politics

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to form the government at the Centre for the third consecutive term. Despite this achievement, the results reflect a significant shift in political dynamics, with the opposition INDIA bloc delivering a strong performance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take the oath for his third term as the NDA hovers around the 300-seat mark. The BJP has secured approximately 240 seats, significantly lower than expected. The INDIA bloc, on the other hand, has performed unexpectedly well, prompting celebrations among its leaders and press conferences filled with newfound confidence.

Lok Sabha Election Result: Here are five ways 2024 polls changed the Indian politics

Return of Regional Parties: Regional parties made significant gains in states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. In Bihar, the JD(U) leads with 15 seats, and in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leads with 11 seats. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP experienced a setback, leading in only 32 out of 80 seats, while the Samajwadi Party leads in 37 seats. This significant change may result in a return to Mandal caste-based politics.

Rise of Rahul Gandhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra and Nyay Yatra have positively impacted the party's performance. Contesting from Wayanad in Kerala and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, Gandhi is poised to win both seats with significant margins.


BJP Gains in Odisha: In Odisha, the BJP has made notable gains, leading in 19 out of 21 seats. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leads in just one seat, a significant shift from 2019 when the BJD won 12 seats and the BJP eight.

Ram Mandir Politics: The much-anticipated impact of the Ram temple's pran pratishtha in Ayodhya on the BJP's performance did not materialize as expected. Experts had predicted this event would secure the party's dominance in Uttar Pradesh and beyond, but the strategy seemed ineffective.

Breaking Parties Strategy in Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, the strategy of breaking opposition parties did not yield the desired results for the Mahayuti alliance. The INDIA bloc, comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawar's NCP, and the Congress, appears to be leading in the state.

These election results highlight the shifting political landscape and the emergence of a more competitive opposition, signaling a dynamic future for Indian politics.