The 2019 mandate

The larger-than-life Narendra Modi, carefully projected and presented to the electorate, was also made possible by the willing contributions of government institutions and machinery. With the economics and logistics well taken care of, the Hindu nationalistic agenda (with Pulwama and Balakot) made for a perfect elixir that the huge population was willing to drink.

That the failures of demonetisation and GST, the unprecedented unemployment rate, agrarian distress and other grave issues made no change in the perspective of the voter can be attributed to Mr. Modi’s narrative focussed only on two major issues: Hindu nationalism and national security. The fragmented Opposition only aided the BJP victory. The brazen nomination of the candidate from Bhopal and her victory gives credence to the view that the BJP is treading the path of Hindutva quite unabashedly. It is odd that inclusive development did not matter for large sections of the electorate which is rejoicing in the victory. I only hope that Modi 2.0 will have a different perspective (Editorial, “For a rediscovery of India”, May 24). Most importantly, it is time the Opposition pondered over its shortcomings and faces the electorate with a concrete and plausible alternative five years from now.

Coimbatore

As far as the failure of the Congress and the rest of the Opposition is concerned, it was known that in the absence of a healthy understanding among themselves, they would lose. Each party was ambitious, failed to be accommodative and take quick decisions for proper seat-adjustments. This exposed them as incapable and at sixes and sevens. Narendra Modi and his party should follow constitutional goals and ensure peace and prosperity.

Bengaluru

The election result marks an inflection point in the history of independent India. It was with great fanfare and hope that India had set forth on its own constitutional journey, clearly separating the state from any religion, but decades later, we have willingly blurred those boundaries with our mandate.

Mr. Modi will be steering India at a crucial time in its developmental trajectory, when the world situation itself is in a state of great flux. The Indian voice since Independence — of soft power, non-violence and standing up for a just and equitable world order — is more relevant today then ever before. This is what earned us the goodwill of the international community. One hopes that these values are not eroded amid the charged emotions holding sway now. The absence of a credible and robust Opposition is a matter of great concern. The issues that figured during campaigning do not die with the results of 2019. These are bound to resurface sooner rather than later. I hope that India survives the next five years without any major social dysfunctions.

Patiala, Punjab

The massive victory was definitely built on polarisation, though the non-existence of a viable political alternative was of great help. There is an element of truth in calling the pole leader of the BJP as a divider. Hopefully, this remains a temporary poll strategy. The new government should regain the trust of the minorities. Otherwise it will definitely lead to the decay of this wonderful civilisation of ours which thrives on tolerance and which takes pride in inclusiveness, which is so crucial for the progress of such a diverse country.

Narsapur, W. Godavari, Andhra Pradesh

The BJP won the political battle hands down but has still to fight the economic battle. The brute majority it has won will leave the Opposition nonplussed. The theme of 2019 was only nationalism. However nationalism alone cannot extricate people from poverty, unemployment and agrarian distress, to name a few issues.

For Mr. Modi, it is a case of uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. Interestingly, the election was on the Modi aura and is likely to lull many into complacency hoping that the Modi magic shall save them again. So why deliver? This is not good for democracy.

Noida

The shocking defeat of the Indian National Congress has put a huge question mark on the very future of the grand old party at the national level. Both the national and State leadership of the party need to be replaced. Tough decisions need to be taken, fresh young blood infused and a comprehensive plan formulated to lead the party to gradual recovery. Cliched terms such as ‘self introspection’ will no longer work, else it will be the same disastrous story in 2024.

Chennai