As India’s 2024 Lok Sabha election crosses its halfway point, the focus remains on whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will secure a third term. However, three distinct ‘mini narratives’ are also influencing the electoral outcome: women, youth, and Scheduled Castes (SCs).
Women voters have emerged as a force to reckon with, surpassing men in numbers for the first time in the 2019 parliamentary polls. Parties like the Congress, AIADMK, BJD, and JD-U have recognized their significance, while the 2024 election has seen their preferences become even more critical. In states like Karnataka and Bihar, women’s turnout has exceeded men’s, and their support is potentially swayed by schemes like free bus travel and income support.
Youth unemployment is another pressing issue. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the lack of government vacancies and the leak of examination papers are causing frustration among young job seekers. Infrastructure improvements are visible, but the need for employment opportunities remains paramount. The extent to which this issue will impact the election’s outcome is yet to be seen.
Concerns among SCs have also emerged during the campaign. The perceived decline of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has raised questions about the representation and protection of Dalit interests. Remarks by BJP leaders regarding a ‘big majority’ for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) raised fears of potential changes to constitutional provisions on SC reservations. However, the BJP has since clarified its stance, refuting these allegations. Nonetheless, the anxiety among SCs, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, is palpable.
These three ‘mini narratives’—women voters, youth unemployment, and SCs’ apprehensions—are significant factors that could shape the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
