15th India-EU (Virtual) Summit: Opening Remarks By Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi

The 2024 elections cemented the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s place in the annals of Indian political history. With 240 seats for BJP and 49 from its allies, Modi’s third consecutive term is not just a mandate but a movement exemplified; a movement for development, a movement for India’s rise. While this triumph stands as a testament to the BJP’s governance model and the enduring connection PM Modi has forged with the masses, it is the remarkable success of the BJP and NDA (National Democratic Alliance) in Assembly elections of various states that have demolished Congress’s attempts to undermine PM Modi’s influence post-2024.

The Inflection Point: Modi’s Ascendancy in 2014

The 2014 general elections marked the BJP’s shift from opposition to dominance. Shri Modi’s leadership turned the BJP into into a cohesive and relentlessly innovative political powerhouse. His mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas gave voters a vision of inclusive growth. In fact, for the first time in the history of the Indian republic that a leader not only led his party to victory three consecutive times, but did so while increasing the votes polled in every election. From more than 17 crore votes in 2014, the party surged to nearly 23 crore in 2019, and a historic 23.5 crore in 2024.

When compared with Congress under Jawaharlal Nehru, the Congress’ votes dropped by over 60 lakh votes after his consecutive election. This growth underscores the impact of a leader who has not just inspired but galvanized the nation.

From the heart of rural India to the bustling urban centres, PM Modi’s vision for building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, when India celebrates the centenary of its Independence from the British, has resonated universally. In six states and UTs, the BJP managed to win all seats, and in Odisha, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, the BJP missed the 100% mark by just one seat.

The Congress would be well suited to recollect that the total seats it managed to win in 2014, 2019 and 2024 falls short of the BJP’s tally in 2024 alone – a mandate the Congress said, is synonymous with the ‘Grand-old’ Party’s resurgence.

Defying Anti-Incumbency: Breaking Records in Multiple States

In a country where anti-incumbency has traditionally dominated electoral narratives, the BJP under PM Modi has redefined the rules of engagement. The party’s ability to retain power in states like Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra exemplifies this shift.

In Haryana, the BJP’s journey from 4 seats in 2009 to an unprecedented 48 seats in 2024 demonstrates how a consistent focus on governance and development can overcome political fatigue. The party’s appeal extended across Jat-dominated regions and urban centers, increasing its vote share in every successive election.

Meanwhile, in Arunachal Pradesh, the BJP’s governance model achieved an emphatic third term with 46 out of 60 assembly seats. The vote share crossed 54%, a ringing endorsement of its people-centric policies. In Maharashtra, the Mahayuti Alliance’s triumph with 235 out of 288 seats is a testament to the BJP’s coalition strategy and its resonance with voters across the state. From urban strongholds to rural bastions, Modi’s leadership and the alliance’s cohesive vision captured the electorate’s trust.

Charting New Territories: Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

PM Modi’s leadership has been instrumental in the NDA’s ability to breach strongholds of regional parties, as evidenced by the remarkable victories in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. In Odisha, the BJP not only ended the BJD’s 24-year reign but also formed a government for the first time, capturing 78 of the 147 assembly seats and 20 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats. This triumph was driven by grassroots mobilization and a focus on last-mile development, embodying Modi’s vision of inclusive progress.

Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, the BJP-led NDA alliance achieved a landslide victory, securing 164 out of 175 assembly seats. The coalition’s ability to address developmental concerns resonated with voters across the state. The election saw a surge in female voter turnout, a reflection of PM Modi’s efforts to empower women through policies like the Naari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

Modi’s Magic: The Ultimate Differentiator

While the BJP’s organizational strength is a significant factor in its electoral success, it is PM Modi’s unparalleled connection with the electorate that remains the defining element. Modi’s image as a leader who delivers on promises has become synonymous with transformative governance. Programs like the PM Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and Jal Jeevan Mission have not only improved lives but also created an enduring trust in Modi’s leadership.

The Naari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, ensuring 33% reservation for women in legislatures, highlights Modi’s commitment to gender equality. In 2024, women voters constituted nearly half the electorate, a fact reflected in the BJP’s robust performance across the nation. Additionally, states under BJP’s double-engine governance model—where central and state governments work in tandem—have witnessed exponential growth.

The Vision Ahead: Electoral Reforms for a Modern Democracy

Our electoral process is not merely a tool for choosing leaders but a celebration of collective decision-making that reflects the aspirations of over a billion people. To uphold the sanctity of this process, it is imperative to ensure elections are efficient, transparent, and inclusive, thus strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation.

The BJP, under PM Modi, is moving forward with a vision to strengthen the democratic process itself. The “One Nation, One Election” proposal represents a bold step towards synchronizing state and national elections, aiming to reduce costs, streamline governance, and minimize disruptions. With an estimated saving of Rs. 4.5 lakh crore, this initiative reflects the BJP’s commitment to optimizing resources and enhancing efficiency.

The Congress, which invariably cites discrepancies in the EVMs, conveniently forgets that it was under the BJP and NDA rule that VVPAT – a second layer of authentication – was fully integrated into the election process. These reforms signify a vision where electoral processes are not just a means to an end but a reflection of India’s vibrant democracy.

The Unwavering Connection with India

As Congress’s narratives of a diminishing impact of the Prime Minister’s influence collapse under the weight of BJP’s electoral achievements, it becomes evident that PM Modi’s leadership is unparalleled in Indian politics.

The BJP and NDA are now in government in as many as 16 States and UTs. Even when we consider the past one year alone, the NDA has managed to win in every region vis-à-vis Haryana in the North, Maharashtra in the West, Odisha in East, Andhra Pradesh in the South and Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim in the Northeast.

From retaining strongholds to breaching new territories, the BJP’s rise under PM Modi is a story of transformation, trust, and triumph. His unwavering connection with the electorate and his ability to translate vision into action ensure that the BJP’s momentum remains unstoppable, term after term, year after year.

These elections therefore, are not just a testament to Shri Modi’s leadership but were, in all fairness, a celebration of India’s collective aspirations for a brighter, more prosperous future.