The year 2024 has come to a close, carrying with it the historical results of 8 state assembly elections and the national general elections. The year witnessed numerous events, raised issues, political confrontations, and compromises, signifying a rigorous set of challenges on the political front.
Today, we introduce you to the political figures of 2024 who remained the talk of the town throughout the year. Prime Minister Modi stands out among the political superstars for leading the NDA to victory in the Lok Sabha elections and being sworn in as PM for the third time, creating history. However, the BJP's popularity couldn't surpass the 400 mark as foreseen, raising debates on whether PM Modi's magic had waned.
PM Modi Created History
Though the target of surpassing 400 wasn't reached, the fact remains, PM Modi started his third consecutive term, matching the record of PM Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru and Modi are now the only PMs to serve three consecutive terms in India's history.
Even though BJP didn't secure an absolute majority in the general elections, PM Modi's stature saw no decline. His impressive victories in the Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections prove that the Modi factor remains robust. Following his third election win, PM Modi embarked on international visits to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Brunei, Nigeria, Italy, Ukraine, Russia, Austria, the USA, Guyana, and Kuwait, solidifying India's global image while pledging to develop India by 2047.
Congress Faces a Do-or-Die Situation
For Congress, the 2024 general elections were do-or-die, as the party fell below the 100-seat mark for the third consecutive general election. Yet, Rahul Gandhi emerged with a unique strategy and became a political superstar of 2024. Despite its limited success, Congress saw an increase in seats, perceived as a rise in Rahul’s political trajectory.
Source: aajtak
Rahul won Rae Bareli and Amethi but faced defeats in Haryana and Maharashtra, prompting questions about the endurance of his political career. Rahul's narratives extended beyond electoral success, marked by his parliamentary challenges and bringing his sister Priyanka to Parliament from Wayanad. In Telangana, Congress reached the Chief Ministership under Revanth Reddy's leadership, demonstrating his influence alongside Priyanka's strategic maneuvers in Parliament.
Nitish Kumar: The Super Star from Bihar
Now, let’s shift focus to Bihar, where Nitish Kumar emerged as a superstar of 2024. Displaying various political maneuvers, he transitioned from the INDIA alliance to NDA, setting a record 9th term as Bihar’s Chief Minister. His calculated political moves backed him as a formidable kingmaker in Modi's third government.
Nitish remained undeterred by opposition criticism, rooting himself within NDA for now, with speculations of potential political strategies ahead of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections.
Nitish’s political saga boasts impactful dialogues from his ally Lalan Singh and strategic assistance from JDU’s Sanjay Jha. As the year changes, Nitish continues his seasoned ways, but who knows what he has planned beyond 2024?
Akhilesh Yadav: A Powerful Ride in UP
As we further explore the 2024 superstars, we turn to UP because Akhilesh Yadav made significant strides this year. Seated on the PDA's throne, he rapidly propelled the Samajwadi Party forward to its greatest achievement, defeating BJP and revitalizing his party.
Despite minor clashes with allied Congress, the prominent presence of the Samajwadi family in Parliament made headlines, especially with Avdhesh Prasad's victory in Faizabad dealing a severe blow to BJP. Though variations ensued in UP's PDA effectiveness amid assembly by-polls, Akhilesh has been persistently advancing his aggressive policies.
Source: aajtak
Akhilesh is steering Samajwadi politics with vigor, balancing regional aspirations with national ambitions akin to a wheel in Delhi and another in UP, steering from 2024 onward.
Chandrababu Naidu Leads the Way in the South
2024 introduced formidable political superstars from east to the south. In Andhra Pradesh, Naidu redrew the political canvas, aligning with former ally NDA, generating a storm in Andhra elections and securing a chief ministerial post with a clear majority, positioning as a pivotal figure in Modi's central governance.
Naidu gained substantial backing from his son, Lokesh Nara, amid youth charisma, with Pawan Kalyan's alliance solidifying political fortunes. As both a king and kingmaker, Naidu’s narratives define his superstar status for 2024.
Mamata Banerjee in the Spotlight
Notable in superstar discussions of 2024 is West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. Delivering staggering Lok Sabha results amid anti-incumbency, she clinched 29 out of 42 seats, significantly halting BJP at 12 seats.
Her central positioning in political discourses emerged pre-election with multiple coalition strategies against PM Modi. Meanwhile, Abhishek’s strategic influence enriched TMC’s youth engagement while grabbing spotlight attention.
Source: aajtak
In Parliament, Mahua Moitra kept Mamata in the haven of political activity, igniting fervor occasionally through disputable statements. With 2024 fading, Did’s political stardom across the opposition remains vibrant.
Yogi Adityanath Commands National Attention
With compelling oratory, impactful actions, and decisive reactions, Yogi Adityanath maintained a notable presence throughout 2024. His influence spread beyond Uttar Pradesh to several other states nationwide, echoing his phrases and policies among political discourse.
The reference was concerning communal violence in Bangladesh, yet the focal point was the forthcoming by-elections. Drawing a formidable line, CM Yogi secured 7 out of 9 by-election seats for BJP.
Source: aajtak
Yogi was in the limelight from the year's start, amidst Ayodhya’s Rama temple preparations, through Lok Sabha election campaigns, despite challenges and speculations concerning his leadership role. He quietly concentrated on post-election strategies.
Devendra Fadnavis: Pivotal in Maharashtra
The list of 2024 superstars isn't exclusive to national politics; regional leaders also shone bright. Our subsequent entry pertains to those reconfiguring politics amid Delhi's political tides, setting new paradigms.
Devendra Fadnavis surfaced as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for a third time, more so recognized for his adept electioneering rather than the appointment itself. He deftly dismantled adversaries' allegations, maneuvering victoriously through the electoral maelstrom.
An ordinary victory pales before the feat of rewriting history, illustrating BJP led Maha-Vikas Aghadi's proficient counteraction in Maharashtra, displacing chief adversaries.
Ekanth Shinde’s readiness was noted when stepping into the Deputy CM role, sparking debates regarding the test of Shiv Sena’s authenticity.
Source: aajtak
Ajit Pawar's political prowess catalyzed his reattributed Deputy CM role, overcoming familial hurdles, and attaining authentic NCP validation from the public court.
Hemant Soren Ultimately Triumphant in Jharkhand
Discussion thrived around Jharkhand's leading political force Hemant Soren throughout 2024. Despite NDA efforts, Soren’s widespread popularity was unchallenged. Reiterating his capability, he swore in for the fourth time, and consecutively second time – accomplishments indelibly etched within 2024.
Though briefly imprisoned, his wife Kalpana managed party and electoral affairs, successfully leading and reaching the assembly. Her transition from homemaker to politician encapsulates another 2024 narrative.
Omar Abdullah Dominates J&K Discourse
Expectations centered on Jammu and Kashmir’s awaited elections post-370 abrogation, marking high stress amidst populace and political figures alike. Initially disinclined, Omar Abdullah ultimately contested and eventually assumed Chief Ministership.
Omar's adeptness excelled post-national elections, recalibrating the circumstances favorably during state polls months later. Politically, J&K entered a revised phase in 2024 following its 2019 transformations.
