2024: The Election That Surprised India, the latest book by Rajdeep Sardesai, captures the myriad nuances of the recently held general elections, presenting an unflinching narrative of power, ambition, and the changing aspirations of the electorate, writes GYANESHWAR DAYAL
Veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai launched his latest book, 2024: The Election That Surprised India, on Constitution Day at a packed auditorium in Teen Murti Bhavan. Non-fiction books dealing with politics and politicians generally evoke significant interest, especially when penned by a journalist with extensive experience in covering politics and elections. Sardesai's latest work was eagerly anticipated, and the wait proved worthwhile. The book offers a compelling exploration of one of India's most dramatic and unpredictable general elections, held just a few months ago.
This is Sardesai's third book on elections, following his analyses of the 2014 and 2019 general elections. In this new volume, he delves into the missteps of pollsters and pundits, who failed to predict the outcome accurately, and critiques the mainstream media for its perceived one-sided narratives. Sardesai examines why the BJP's "Char Sau Paar" campaign slogan, intended to project overwhelming confidence, failed to resonate with voters as expected. He also sheds light on Rahul Gandhi's Congress, which mounted a surprising comeback after years of setbacks.
The narrative explores the operational strategies of the Modi-Shah political team, the role of enforcement agencies during the elections, and the controversies surrounding the fairness of the electoral process. Sardesai highlights the fierce battles in state elections and provides nuanced insights into who truly emerged victorious—and who faltered—in India’s increasingly polarised political landscape.
In his characteristic unsparing and incisive style, Sardesai charts the dramatic changes in Indian politics over the last five years, offering readers an insider’s perspective on the personalities, strategies, and events that defined the 2024 elections. Building on his bestselling accounts of the 2014 and 2019 elections, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the shifting sands of power and politics in India. One may agree or disagree with his interpretation and insights, especially since he is not the same as he once was, but the book is a good read and definitely has a shelf life.
A Lively Launch Event
The book launch was more than a literary occasion; it featured a panel discussion moderated by Sardesai himself, with luminaries from various political parties in attendance. The event, held in a packed auditorium, was marked by engaging debates that delved into the key questions surrounding the electoral verdict that stunned the nation.
The distinguished panel included prominent political figures such as P. Chidambaram, senior Congress leader; Mahua Moitra, the fiery Trinamool Congress MP; Dinesh Trivedi, former Railway Minister; and Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). True to expectations, the discussion was animated and insightful. Adding a unique twist, the panellists took playful potshots at Sardesai himself, "roasting" him in a rare and humorous turn of events. Sardesai, clad in an orange kurta (perhaps making a statement), took the jabs in stride with a smile and humour.
On a more serious note, the discussion was refreshingly candid. P. Chidambaram painted a picture of optimism for the Congress, emphasising the growing disillusionment with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted issues such as unemployment, inflation, and the perceived erosion of democratic institutions, arguing that these factors could shift voter sentiment. Chidambaram asserted that the Congress was ready to lead the country back to a path of inclusive growth and social justice.
On the other hand, Mahua Moitra critiqued the centralisation of power under the BJP and the stifling of dissent. She warned that India’s diversity was under threat due to rising authoritarianism and religious polarisation. Moitra argued that regional parties like the TMC were better equipped to challenge the BJP's dominance because they understood the electorate's pulse more effectively than the Delhi-centric political establishment.
Asaduddin Owaisi was humorous yet thought-provoking, raising concerns about the marginalisation of Muslims and other minority communities under the current regime. He criticised the BJP's focus on religious polarisation, warning that it was detrimental to India’s secular fabric. Owaisi also called for greater unity among Muslim voters and reiterated his party’s commitment to representing marginalised voices while building alliances with like-minded regional players.
Yogendra Yadav, a psephologist-turned-politician, countered Dinesh Trivedi's assertion that there were no minorities in India and that "all are Indians." Yadav argued that while leveraging community votes was not new, the BJP had spearheaded campaigns that effectively rendered Muslims second-class citizens. Throughout the discussion, Sardesai kept the conversation dynamic, challenging panellists with incisive questions that encouraged them to think beyond the obvious.
The debate was intense, often bordering on contentious, as the political heavyweights offered divergent perspectives on the state of the nation. From discussions on the BJP’s electoral strategies to the role of opposition unity, caste politics, and the influence of social media, the conversation reflected the multifaceted nature of Indian politics.
The panellists, despite their differing ideological positions, agreed on one point: the 2024 elections marked a watershed moment in Indian politics and that the rightward shift in Indian politics is real and here to stay. While this shift might not be irreversible, it is the reality of the day, nevertheless!
