After the landmark 2014 elections in India, the political landscape of the nation underwent a seismic shift, redefining the contours of governance and public discourse. Marking the ascent of Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power with a historic majority, the elections heralded a new era characterized by promises of economic reform, social transformation, and nationalist fervor. The sweeping victory not only signaled a decisive mandate but also raised expectations for unprecedented development and change. As India embarked on this journey post-2014, it faced a myriad of challenges, opportunities, and complexities, shaping the nation’s trajectory in the years to come.
The rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the formation of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government under the leadership of Narendra Modi in 2014 have marked a significant shift in Indian politics. Here are some key points about the BJP’s rise to power:
- Geographical Reach and Dominance: Over the five years since 2013, the BJP has managed to expand its influence across various regions of India. It has become the richest, largest, and most dominant political party in the country.
- Role of Organisational Skills and Hindutva Agenda: The rise of the BJP can be attributed in part to the organisational skills of leaders like L.K. Advani. Additionally, the party reemphasized the Hindutva agenda, while still preserving the liberal image associated with Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the public’s memory.
- Electoral Strategies and Outreach Programs: The BJP’s success can be credited to its effective electoral strategies, meticulous planning, hard work, and robust voter outreach program. These factors were more efficient compared to those of its rivals.
- Inclusivity in Voter Base: The BJP made concerted efforts to broaden its political base by reaching out to rural areas and focusing on communities that had been historically neglected. This included a targeted approach towards backward castes and economically disadvantaged sections of society.
- Attention to Caste Dynamics: The party paid close attention to the intricate caste dynamics in Indian politics. It made efforts to connect with specific castes, sub-castes, and social groups that had not received adequate attention from other political parties.
Overall, the BJP’s ascent to power was the result of a combination of factors including effective organisation, the reemergence of Hindutva as a political agenda, and a comprehensive outreach strategy that resonated with a wide range of voters, particularly in previously overlooked areas and communities.
Here’s an overview of the policies and prospects of the Modi government:
- Continuation and Reform of Existing Policies:
- Initially, there was an attempt to downscale or dismantle certain existing policies. However, over time, the government shifted towards backing existing social policies with increased financial allocations and new mechanisms for smoother implementation.
- Introduction of New Policies:
- The government introduced several new policies, often by reworking or reforming existing schemes. These initiatives covered areas such as financial inclusion, housing, sanitation, rural electrification, and healthcare.
- JAM Trinity:
- The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) aimed to achieve universal financial inclusion, particularly for economically vulnerable sections. Additionally, it facilitated the government’s efforts in providing social assistance through bank transfers, including pensions, cash transfers, and MGNREGA wages.
- Triple Talaq and UCC Debate:
- The Supreme Court’s ruling against Triple Talaq in the Shayara Bano case led to the enactment of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019. This sparked a wider discussion on the removal of personal laws and the potential implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as per Article 44 of the Constitution.
- Protection of Third Gender:
- The Supreme Court’s recognition of the “Third Gender” in the National Legal Services Authority vs. Union of India (2014) case was a milestone decision. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2019 was subsequently enacted to safeguard their rights.
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Quota:
- The implementation of a 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) involved modifications to Articles 15 and 16 of the 103rd Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2019. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of this law.
- CAA-NRC Debate:
- The discussion on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and a separate national identity card for citizens and non-citizens has been ongoing in the context of immigration concerns.
- Ayushman Bharat:
- A National Health Protection Scheme covering over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) with coverage of up to 5 lakh rupees per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
- Development of the Northeast Region:
- Significant budget allocation for the development of Northeast states, marking an increase of over 285% in the past eight years.
- Implementation of schemes such as the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (SIDS) and the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) Scheme.
- Education Reforms:
- Introduction of the new National Education Policy in July 2020.
- Implementation of a common entrance test for admission to central universities.
- Controlling Left-Wing Extremism:
- Significant reduction in Left Wing Extremism-related violence and resultant deaths according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Reduced geographical influence of Maoists.
- Advancements in Science and Technology:
- Breakthroughs in space science, including the successful Mangalyaan mission and the launch of the Chandrayaan-II mission.
- Development of indigenous COVID-19 vaccine and diagnosis kits during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative.
These policies and debates highlight the multifaceted nature of governance under the Modi government, covering social, legal, and administrative aspects, and sparking significant public discourse.
The Modi government’s policy on terrorism is characterized by the following key points:
- Zero-Tolerance Policy: The government has adopted a stance of zero-tolerance towards terrorism and has communicated India’s unwavering commitment to combating this menace on the global stage.
- Understanding the Impact of Terrorism: India has experienced various forms of terrorism and its financing for more than three decades. This firsthand experience has given the nation a deep understanding of the pain and trauma inflicted by terrorism on similarly affected countries.
- Preemptive Action Against Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM): In response to the terrorist attack in Pulwama, the Indian government undertook a significant “non-military preemptive” action against the largest camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pakistan. This operation resulted in the neutralization of a substantial number of terrorists and trainers associated with this Pakistan-based terror group.
These measures reflect the government’s resolute commitment to addressing terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. The approach encompasses both proactive and retaliatory actions, signalling a strong message against terrorist activities.
The economic policies of the Modi government have been marked by several significant reforms and initiatives. Here’s an overview:
- Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code: Addressing the issue of slow liquidation of companies under bankruptcy proceedings, the government introduced the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. This reform aimed to streamline the process of resolving insolvency cases in India.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST): The GST Bill, introduced in 2014, marked a crucial step towards tax reform in India. It was approved in 2016 and renumbered in the statute as The Constitution (101st Amendment) Act, 2016. GST replaced a complex system of multiple indirect taxes with a unified tax structure.
- Demonetisation: In a bold move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in circulation. While the move received widespread support, it also posed challenges, especially in the form of disrupted supply chains. It aimed to curb black money and promote digital transactions.
- Labour Codes: The government replaced 29 disparate and occasionally contradictory labour laws with four more coherent labour codes. These codes aimed to make labour markets more flexible and employment-friendly.
- Liberalisation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The government undertook significant steps to liberalise FDI in various sectors like defence, civil aviation, railways, coal, mining, and e-commerce. This was done to encourage foreign investment in the country.
- Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion: The government’s Jan Dhan scheme facilitated millions of unbanked poor families to enter the formal economy by providing them with no-frills bank accounts. The adoption of UPI revolutionised the digital payments landscape in India.
- Privatisation: The successful sale of Air India to the Tata Group marked a significant milestone in the government’s privatisation efforts. This move aimed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency in the aviation sector.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat and COVID-19 Response: The concept of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) played a crucial role in the country’s fight against COVID-19. The development of digital infrastructure facilitated the online transfer of relief funds to the poor during the lockdown.
These economic policies and initiatives have been instrumental in reshaping India’s economic landscape, fostering growth, and addressing critical challenges.
FAQs
Q: What were the major outcomes of the 2014 elections in India?
A: The 2014 elections in India resulted in a historic victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Narendra Modi. The BJP secured a single-party majority, winning 282 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament). Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India.
Q: What were the key policies and initiatives introduced by the Modi government post-2014?
A: The Modi government introduced several significant policies and initiatives, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST), demonetization, Make in India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), Jan Dhan Yojana (Financial Inclusion Scheme), Digital India, and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Housing for All).
Q: How did the economy of India perform after the 2014 elections?
A: Following the 2014 elections, India experienced mixed economic performance. While some sectors witnessed growth and reforms, others faced challenges. The GDP growth rate fluctuated, and there were debates over the effectiveness of policies such as demonetization and GST in achieving economic objectives.
Q: What were the major social and political changes witnessed in India after 2014?
A: Post-2014, India saw increased political polarization and debates over issues such as secularism, nationalism, and freedom of expression. Socially, there were movements advocating for women’s safety, environmental conservation, and LGBTQ+ rights. Additionally, there were significant discussions on caste-based discrimination and reservations.
Q: How did India’s foreign policy evolve after the 2014 elections?
A: Under the Modi government, India’s foreign policy underwent a notable shift with an emphasis on improving relations with major powers, enhancing economic diplomacy, and expanding strategic partnerships. There was a focus on “Act East” policy, strengthening ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, and initiatives like the International Solar Alliance aimed at global leadership in renewable energy.
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