It has been more than three months since the conclusion of India’s massive 2024 general elections. And it is no exaggeration to say that the results of the election caught many, if not most, election observers by surprise.
To many, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appeared invincible in national elections especially given the widespread popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. And yet, the party suffered a significant setback, emerging as the single largest party but well short of a parliamentary majority.
So, what actually happened in these elections? How can we understand the BJP’s surprising showing? Has the Modi magic dissipated? And is Rahul Gandhi the new standard bearer of change?
To discuss these and many other questions, Milan is joined on the show this week by Sanjay Kumar. Sanjay is Professor at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies in New Delhi and co-director of Lokniti, India’s premier public opinion research organization. Since 1996, Lokniti has carried out a National Election Study after every general election, creating a unique repository of knowledge on the political and social attitudes of the Indian citizen.
On the show, Milan and Sanjay discuss the key findings from this year’s National Election Study. They talk about the resonance of the INDIA alliance’s campaign, divergent outcomes in the Hindi belt, Modi’s declining popularity, and the emerging realignment in southern politics. Plus, the two discuss the reasons for India’s exit poll debacle.
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Ashley Tellis joins Milan on Grand Tamasha for a conversation on his Foreign Affairs piece, “America’s Bad Bet on India” and to preview the Modi state visit this week. Read more
Adam Auerbach and Tariq Thachil join Milan for a conversation on their book, "Migrants and Machine Politics: How India's Urban Poor Seek Representation and Responsiveness." Read more
Adam Auerbach and Tariq Thachil join Milan for a conversation on their book, "Migrants and Machine Politics: How India's Urban Poor Seek Representation and Responsiveness." Read more
Amit Ahuja and Devesh Kapur join Milan to discuss their new book, “Internal Security in India: Violence, Order, and the State” and the lessons it holds for law and order in India. Read more
Amit Ahuja and Devesh Kapur join Milan to discuss their new book, “Internal Security in India: Violence, Order, and the State” and the lessons it holds for law and order in India. Read more
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