Highlights: Lok Sabha Election, Kerala Landslides and Manipur Violence

December 31, 2024

From the general election to the continuation of unprecedented violence in the northeastern state of Manipur, India in 2024 witnessed a series of significant events that shaped its political, social and economic landscape. Below is an overview of 10 major developments.

1. Politicisation of Ram Mandir Inauguration

On Jan. 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, marking the culmination of a decades-long movement —one that was seemingly aimed at political mobilisation, creating divisions and inciting communal violence. The timing of the inauguration, ahead of the general elections and while the structure was still incomplete,  sparked debates over the politicisation of religious sentiments. Critics argued that the inauguration was leveraged to consolidate the majority Hindu vote bank, while supporters viewed it as the fulfilment of a cultural aspiration.

2. Electoral Bond Revelations

Investigative reports shed light on the controversial electoral bond scheme, showing significant opacity in political funding. The Supreme Court of India declared the scheme unconstitutional, citing violations of voters’ rights to know the financiers of political parties. Data revealed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received a substantial majority of these anonymous donations. For instance, between April 12 and May 10, 2019, the BJP secured ₹27.19 billion, accounting for 93% of the total ₹29.02 billion donated to 13 political parties through electoral bonds. Opposition parties and civil society groups demanded reforms to ensure accountability in political contributions.

3. BJP’s Weakening in General Election

The general elections concluded in June, with the BJP securing a third term but losing its outright majority in the Lok Sabha. The party won 240 seats, a decline from the 303 seats secured in the previous election, forcing it to seek coalition partnerships to form the government. The outcome was interpreted as a signal from the electorate, reflecting desires for a more balanced political discourse focused on development rather than Hindu nationalism, along with checks on unilateral decision-making.

4. Kerala Hit with Landslides

The landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district in July were devastating, claiming 254 lives, injuring 397 individuals, and leaving 118 people missing, according to reports. The disaster occurred following intense monsoon rains that destabilised the hilly terrain, leading to multiple landslides across the district. It primarily affected tea and cardamom plantation workers and their families. Entire settlements were wiped out, with several victims trapped under massive debris. Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to continuous rainfall and the remote, rugged terrain. The loss included substantial damage to infrastructure, homes and agricultural land. The state government initiated relief measures, offering compensation to affected families and pledging to address the vulnerabilities highlighted by the catastrophe.

5. Economic Growth Amid Growing Disparities

India’s economy exhibited robust growth, with the government projecting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increase of about 6.5% for the fiscal year 2024-2025. However, income inequality remained a pressing concern. The top 1% of India’s population controlled 22.6% of the national income and 40.1% of the nation’s wealth. This disparity placed India among the most unequal countries globally, with its top 1% holding a larger share of national income compared to nations like South Africa, Brazil, and even the United States. French economist Thomas Piketty urged India to increase taxes on its super-rich to tackle significant inequality.

6. Strained Relations with Canada, U.S.

India’s diplomatic relations with Canada and the United States deteriorated significantly due to allegations of India’s involvement in the assassination of Sikh separatist leaders on foreign soil. The tensions began with the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist, in Surrey, British Columbia. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian government agents of orchestrating the assassination, leading to a series of diplomatic expulsions between the two nations. In October 2024, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the High Commissioner, citing their involvement in activities such as “homicides, extortion, and violent acts” targeting the Sikh community. India dismissed these allegations as “preposterous” and retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats. The United States also became involved when U.S. federal prosecutors charged an Indian government employee with masterminding a plot to assassinate a U.S.-based Sikh separatist leader, further straining relations.

7. Women’s Reservation Bill

In a landmark move, the Parliament passed the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2024, allocating 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies to women. The legislation aimed to enhance female representation in politics, addressing longstanding gender disparities. The bill’s passage was hailed as a progressive step towards gender equality. However, its implementation is contingent upon the completion of the next census and a subsequent delimitation exercise to redraw constituency boundaries. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has indicated that the reservation will take effect after the 2024 census is conducted and its data is published. Lawyer Shilpi Jain described the absence of a fixed implementation date as an “eyewash,” suggesting that without a clear timeline, the bill’s promises remain unfulfilled.

8. Continued Manipur Violence

In 2024, Manipur continued to experience severe ethnic violence primarily between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki-Zo tribes, resulting in significant human and material losses. Since the conflict’s escalation on May 3, 2023, over 250 individuals have been killed, and more than 60,000 people have been displaced from their homes. Allegations surfaced accusing the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Biren Singh, of siding with the Meitei community. The Manipur Police, predominantly composed of Meiteis, have faced accusations of complicity in the violence. The “Manipur Tapes,” which refers to a series of leaked audio recordings, purported to feature the Chief Minister’s voice discussing the orchestration of violence during the ethnic conflict, including purported collaborations between state security forces and banned militant groups to target specific communities.

9. Politics Over Places of Worship Act

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which maintains the religious character of places of worship as they stood on Aug. 15, 1947, became a focal point of political and legal debates in India. On Dec. 12, the Supreme Court commenced hearings to assess the constitutional validity of the Act. Petitioners challenging the law argue that it infringes upon the rights of Hindus by preventing the restoration of temples allegedly demolished during historical invasions. Conversely, supporters contend that the Act is essential for maintaining communal harmony and upholding the secular fabric of the nation. The Act’s review intensified political mobilisation, particularly in Uttar Pradesh.

10. Challenges Faced by Christian Minority

In 2024, India witnessed a record 745 incidents of violence against Christians between January and November, averaging over two attacks per day, according to the United Christian Forum (UCF). The figure excluded incidents from Manipur. The UCF reported a consistent rise in such attacks since 2014, with 127 incidents reported that year, escalating to 734 in 2023, and reaching 745 by November 2024. Many of these attacks involved vigilante groups disrupting worship services, assaulting congregants and accusing them of “forced” conversions.

The events cited above, though not an exhaustive list, collectively define India's journey in 2024.