Introduction: Turbulent Inception of Modi’s Coalition Government
The BJP-led government under the aegis of Hon’ble Mr. Narendra Modi was inaugurated on June 9, 2024, amidst a series of unprecedented challenges. This administration, characterized by a coalition with the TDP and JD(U), has faced formidable setbacks in its nascent days, revealing underlying tensions and systemic vulnerabilities.
Immediate Setbacks: A Cascade of Crises
In a mere span of 20 days, the government has grappled with a series of calamitous events. The implosion of the National Testing Agency devastated the aspirations of numerous students. A catastrophic train accident in Jalpaiguri added to the national tragedy, while persistent terrorist attacks in Jammu & Kashmir exacerbated the already volatile situation. Meanwhile, the prices of essential commodities like tomatoes, potatoes, and onions soared, inflating by 39%, 41%, and 43% respectively. Financial markets experienced unprecedented turbulence, with the Sensex and Nifty reaching historic highs as the dollar-rupee exchange rate plummeted. Adding to the fiscal strain, toll taxes on highways were raised by 15%.
Intracoalition Discontent: Leadership Challenges
The coalition’s internal discord was starkly highlighted by an admonishment from RSS sarsanghchalak Mr. Mohan Bhagwat, who censured displays of “arrogance” within the BJP’s leadership. This rebuke, coupled with local mutinies in various state units of the BJP, signaled deep-seated unrest. The leadership, opting for prudence, has attempted to navigate these choppy waters with measured responses.
Parliamentary Proceedings: Controversies and Discontent
The first parliamentary session under the new government was marked by procedural controversies and unfulfilled expectations. The election of the Speaker, a usually routine affair, turned contentious. By convention, the most repeatedly elected Lok Sabha member should be nominated as the pro-tem Speaker. However, the government’s nomination of Mr. B Mahtab (BJP-Odisha), who has been elected seven times, over Mr. K Suresh (Congress-Kerala), an eight-time electee, sparked controversy. This move, possibly motivated by political maneuvering and internal power dynamics, set a discordant tone for the session.
Stale Assurances: The President’s Address
The President’s Address, an opportunity to articulate a vision and restore parliamentary civility, fell short of expectations. It failed to acknowledge the altered political landscape, where the BJP-led coalition fell short of a majority by 32 seats. The address echoed the BJP’s pre-election rhetoric, eschewing references to the coalition nature of the government, inflation, or the parliamentary committee’s role. Instead, it presented a litany of claims already rebuffed by the electorate.
Unaddressed Concerns: Manipur and Beyond
Notably, the address glossed over pressing issues such as the tragedy in Manipur, instead lumping minority communities into a generic “social and religious groups” category. This omission underscored a disconnect between the administration’s narrative and the lived realities of the populace. As a small consolation, contentious topics like ‘Agniveer’ or ‘Uniform Civil Code’ were omitted from the discourse.
Continuity Amidst Change: Unaltered Leadership
Despite the electoral verdict signaling a demand for change, the new administration has retained much of its previous structure. Key ministers continue to hold the same portfolios, with the same Speaker, principal secretary to the prime minister, National Security Adviser, and chief of the Intelligence Bureau remaining in place. This continuity extends to the social media landscape, still dominated by the same cohort of paid trolls engaged in diversionary and often unsavory tactics.
The Budget: A Litmus Test for the Government
As the nation anticipates the upcoming budget for 2024-25, due in July, the government’s response to critical issues such as unemployment and inflation remains paramount. According to a CSDS post-poll survey published by The Hindu on June 25, 2024, “price rise/inflation” and “growing unemployment” were cited as the most disliked aspects of the BJP government by 29% and 27% of respondents, respectively. The budget represents a critical opportunity for the administration to address these concerns and realign with the electorate’s priorities.
Conclusion: The Imperative for Change
In conclusion, the BJP-led coalition government faces a formidable challenge in navigating its early days marred by crises and controversies. The imperative for a responsive, inclusive, and adaptive governance model is more pressing than ever. The forthcoming budget will serve as a crucial litmus test, determining whether the government can rise to meet the expectations of a populace yearning for substantive change and effective leadership.
Summary Table:
| Key Learning Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Turbulent Inception | Modi’s coalition government faced immediate challenges from the outset. |
| Immediate Setbacks | The government dealt with multiple crises including a train accident, terrorist attacks, and soaring commodity prices. |
| Intracoalition Discontent | Internal conflicts and rebukes from the RSS highlighted leadership challenges. |
| Parliamentary Proceedings | The election of the Speaker was contentious, reflecting underlying political maneuvering. |
| President’s Address | The address failed to acknowledge the coalition nature of the government and pressing national issues. |
| Unaddressed Concerns | Significant issues such as the tragedy in Manipur were omitted from the discourse. |
| Continuity Amidst Change | Despite the electoral verdict, much of the previous administration’s structure remained intact. |
| The Budget | The forthcoming budget represents a crucial opportunity to address critical issues like unemployment and inflation. |
Advanced Vocabulary Table:
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Aegis | The protection, backing, or support of a particular person or organization. |
| Nascent | Just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential. |
| Implosion | A sudden failure or collapse of an organization or system. |
| Admonishment | A firm warning or reprimand. |
| Exacerbated | Made a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. |
| Litany | A tedious recital or repetitive series. |
| Eschewing | Deliberately avoiding or abstaining from. |
| Primus inter pares | First among equals. |
| Rebuke | Express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behavior or actions. |
| Litmus Test | A test in which a single factor (such as an attitude, event, or fact) is decisive. |
Sunil Garnayak is an expert in Indian news with extensive knowledge of the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape and international relations. With years of experience in journalism, Sunil delivers in-depth analysis and accurate reporting that keeps readers informed about the latest developments in India. His commitment to factual accuracy and nuanced storytelling ensures that his articles provide valuable insights into the country’s most pressing issues.
