Congress Criticizes Modi as BJP Faces Setback in 2024 Elections

In a surprising turn of events, the Indian Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has called Narendra Modi to take moral responsibility for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) potential loss of seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This demand comes in the wake of unexpectedly strong performance by the opposition coalition, the INDIA bloc.

Reacting to the preliminary election results, Ramesh posted on social media platform X, stating that the INDIA bloc’s performance indicates it is time for Modi to become the “former prime minister.” He asserted that Modi should acknowledge the BJP’s electoral setbacks and resign from his position. “He used to pretend that he was extraordinary. Now it has been proved that the outgoing Prime Minister is going to become former. Take moral responsibility and resign. This is the message of this election,” Ramesh wrote.

According to the Election Commission of India’s data, the BJP is currently leading in 236 seats, which is short of the 272 seats needed for a majority in the Lok Sabha. In contrast, the Congress is ahead in 99 seats, while the Samajwadi Party and the Trinamool Congress are leading in 37 and 31 seats, respectively. The INDIA bloc, an alliance of opposition parties, is expected to secure over 200 seats, posing a significant challenge to the BJP’s dominance.

Despite trailing initially, Modi is now leading in Varanasi, his constituency. However, the BJP’s ambitious target of winning 400 seats seems increasingly unattainable. This setback has prompted criticism from the Congress and other opposition parties, who view the election results as a clear signal of the public’s growing discontent with the current administration.

The BJP’s pursuit of a third consecutive term in power has faced considerable hurdles. While exit polls had predicted an optimistic outcome for the BJP, the actual results suggest a more competitive race. The INDIA bloc’s unexpected success underscores the shifting political landscape and the rising effectiveness of a united opposition front.

Jairam Ramesh’s call for Modi to resign is rooted in the belief that the Prime Minister should take accountability for his party’s electoral performance. The Congress party’s strong reaction reflects the broader opposition strategy of capitalizing on any perceived weaknesses in the BJP’s leadership and governance. The demand for Modi’s resignation is not only a critique of his leadership but also a strategic move to galvanize opposition supporters and put additional pressure on the ruling party.

In conclusion, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections have introduced a new dynamic into Indian politics. The unexpected gains by the INDIA bloc have challenged the BJP’s supremacy and led to calls for Modi to accept moral responsibility for his party’s potential losses.