India's 2024 general election is just months away, and the two main political blocs, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition India alliance, are already gearing up for battle.
The NDA, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is confident of winning a third consecutive term in office. The party has won three consecutive state elections in recent months, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. BJP President J.P. Nadda has set a target of winning 350 seats for the BJP in the 2024 election, and 400 seats for the NDA overall. The party is also aiming to win 50% of the popular vote nationwide.
To achieve these goals, the BJP is focusing on key states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. These states are all important because the BJP won a majority or plurality of seats in each of them in the 2019 general election. The BJP has also been working to build a strong grassroots organization and outreach network. The party has appointed booth presidents, panna presidents, coordinators, and other volunteers at all levels of the party structure.
The opposition India alliance, led by the Congress Party, is facing an uphill battle. The Congress Party has been struggling in recent years, and it is unclear whether it can unite the opposition and pose a serious challenge to the BJP. The alliance has not yet announced a prime ministerial candidate, and it is facing divisions within its own ranks. Some opposition parties are reluctant to support the Congress Party, and they are considering fielding their own candidates. The 2024 general election is expected to be closely fought. The BJP is the clear favorite, but the opposition has a chance of winning if it can unite and mount a strong campaign.
Key factors in the BJP's favor.
The BJP is in power in 11 states on its own and in 7 states in alliance with other parties.The BJP has the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who remains a popular figure in India.The BJP has a strong organization and outreach network.
Key challenges facing the opposition.
The Congress Party is struggling to unite the opposition.The opposition has not yet announced a prime ministerial candidate.There are divisions within the opposition ranks.