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What Lok Sabha election results could tell about consumption divide across Indian states
Economists at the public sector Bank of Baroda have published a report about the finances of Indian states for the financial year ended March (FY2024). The report analyses state-level finances based on three variables: how much money they raised on their own, how much they spent to boost productive capacities of the state, and how much they borrowed from the market.
Fiscal Deficit
The report found that most states were able to limit their fiscal deficit (the amount of money they had to borrow to bridge the gap between expenses and income) within the budgeted levels (Chart). This is a significant achievement, since over-borrowing by states adds to the Centre’s over-borrowings, and ultimately leaves less money for private sector firms to borrow. Continue reading
After June 4, two questions: Who and what won?
Once the sound and fury of the campaign has died down, votes are cast and counted, the electoral dénouement will converge on two critical questions: “Who won?” and “what won?” The first is answered simply in most democracies. Counting agencies do their job, and the loser’s consent seals the result as legitimate and final. That said, the process, as the fiasco that followed the last presidential election in the United States, is not necessarily seamless. However, in India, the issues that could complicate the final tally are filtered out beforehand by an alert judiciary and hyper-active Election Commission. Going by past precedents, the losers in India’s electoral game have usually conceded defeat quickly and gracefully. So, on June 4, one can expect a smooth and unproblematic regime continuity, or for that matter, a radical transition. Continue reading…
BJP campaign see-sawed, but one thing remained constant: Modi’s popularity
On the last day of his marathon campaign for the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, exuding confidence about his third consecutive term in office, went to India’s southernmost tip, Kanyakumari, for his 45-hour-long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. His popularity continues to be high, with credibility remaining virtually intact. Although voters were largely unenthused about the election, which was attributed to a general mood in favour of status quo, they did not appear to be cross with the PM.
His main rival Rahul Gandhi — who managed to set a narrative against various odds, forcing the formidable BJP to react – exhorted Congress workers at the end of his long, spirited campaign to be optimistic about the poll outcome. “I want to say with confidence to the brave lion workers of Congress that the INDIA alliance government is going to be formed,” he claimed. Continue reading…
Why BJP is still confident in Haryana, and Congress may not move in for the kill yet
FURTHER WORSENING problems for the BJP government in Haryana, after three Independent MLAs withdrew their support to it, its former ally Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) announced that it would support any Congress move to topple the government. The developments come ahead of the Lok Sabha polls to all 10 seats in the state on May 25, with Assembly elections to follow towards the end of the year. The BJP insists its government led by Chief Minister Nayab Saini is intact.
The five reasons for its confidence: Continue reading…
Aisha Patel is a dedicated Indian correspondent with a deep understanding of the nation’s diverse affairs. With a background in Indian culture, politics, and current events, she provides in-depth analysis and timely reporting on domestic issues within India.
