
Indian politics is currently in a phase marked by high drama and significant developments. As of December 2024, several key events and political shifts are shaping the nation’s political discourse. Here’s a detailed look at the latest updates:
1. Political Tensions in Parliament
The ongoing Winter Session of Parliament has been marked by heated debates and disruptions. A key issue under discussion has been the implementation of the PM-KISAN scheme, which provides direct income support to farmers. During this session, there was considerable uproar over the adequacy of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have criticized the government’s handling of agricultural policies, calling the MSP figures insufficient for the farmers’ welfare. This has led to multiple walkouts by opposition MPs, further intensifying the already strained atmosphere between the ruling and opposition parties.
In addition to agricultural issues, the government faced sharp criticism over its handling of various other matters, including corruption and management of public funds. Opposition MPs used the platform to voice their discontent with what they see as failures in governance. This political friction between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition parties has been a dominant feature of the ongoing session.
2. Violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh
A tragic incident of violence took place in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where protests turned violent, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The Samajwadi Party, a key opposition party, has accused the BJP-led government of orchestrating the violence. According to their claims, the violence was a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from allegations of electoral malpractice during the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls. The incident led to clashes between protesters and the police, with accusations of excessive force by law enforcement, including firing on unarmed civilians.
This event has stirred political debates about the role of the state government in managing protests and ensuring law and order. It has further complicated the political environment in Uttar Pradesh, a state that has been witnessing rising political tensions in recent months.
3. Leadership Changes and Alliances
In Maharashtra, there has been a significant development with the reappointment of Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister for a third term. Fadnavis took office on December 5, 2024, amidst a political realignment. His government now includes leaders like Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, who were earlier in different political factions. The new leadership coalition aims to consolidate power ahead of future state elections, with tensions remaining high between various political groups in the state.
Meanwhile, in the national political scene, the Opposition parties are increasingly coming together to challenge the BJP. The formation of the INDIA alliance (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) is seen as a major strategic move by the opposition, as they attempt to present a united front against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. However, this alliance is facing internal differences, as evidenced by the absence of parties like the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during protests over the Adani issue in Parliament.
4. Beef Ban Controversy in Assam
Assam has taken a controversial step by expanding its beef ban across the state. Originally, the ban was enforced near temples and religious sites, but now it applies to all areas. This decision has sparked a heated debate on cultural practices and religious sentiments. The move is particularly contentious in a state where beef consumption is part of the local food culture, especially among certain communities. The controversy has intensified political discussions surrounding the BJP’s stance on religion and culture.
5. Security Concerns and Political Unrest in Punjab
Punjab, a state with a complex political and social history, is currently dealing with rising security concerns. Recently, there was an alleged assassination attempt on Sukhbir Badal, a prominent political leader. The incident has fueled accusations of a deep-rooted political conspiracy. Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has been vocal in calling out the situation as a plot against the state, further complicating Punjab’s political environment. The state’s security situation and political instability continue to dominate local and national news.
6. Election Commission’s Role Amid Growing Tensions
As state elections approach, especially in key states like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, the Election Commission (EC) has become a focal point. Allegations of electoral malpractice and misuse of state machinery by ruling parties have persisted. The opposition has raised concerns about the impartiality of the EC, particularly regarding the conduct of free and fair elections. With numerous states preparing for assembly elections, the role of the Election Commission in ensuring transparency and fairness will be under close scrutiny in the coming months.
7. The Role of Regional Parties in Shaping National Politics
Regional parties have been gaining prominence in Indian politics, influencing both state and national levels of governance. A significant example is the growing importance of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has expanded its influence beyond Delhi and Punjab. Under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, AAP has steadily built its presence in states like Gujarat, Haryana, and Rajasthan, positioning itself as a strong challenger to the BJP. The party’s rise is seen as part of a larger trend in which regional parties are increasingly challenging the dominance of the two national parties: BJP and Congress.
At the same time, regional parties like the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh, and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) in Maharashtra are also asserting their influence. These parties often form alliances with national parties, creating a complex web of relationships that shape electoral strategies. The emergence of regional players is a reminder that India’s political system is not just driven by the national parties but is deeply influenced by local issues and the ability of regional leaders to connect with voters on the ground.
8. Impact of Social Media and Digital Campaigning
One of the most notable developments in Indian politics over the last few years is the growing influence of social media and digital campaigning. Political parties are increasingly using platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to engage with voters directly. The 2014 and 2019 elections saw the BJP leading the way in using social media to build a connection with the electorate, creating viral campaigns and utilizing targeted advertisements. Other parties have followed suit, with Congress, AAP, and regional parties adopting similar strategies.
Social media has allowed political leaders to bypass traditional media channels and reach voters directly, especially younger demographics who are highly active online. However, the use of social media also comes with its challenges. Misinformation, fake news, and divisive rhetoric often spread quickly, leading to heated debates over the ethical use of digital platforms in politics. Both the ruling party and opposition have been accused of leveraging social media for partisan purposes, leading to calls for stricter regulations to curb the spread of misleading information.
Conclusion
Indian politics in December 2024 is characterized by a confluence of internal strife, leadership changes, and widespread protests. The opposition parties are leveraging parliamentary disruptions to challenge the government, while regional issues like the violence in Sambhal and the beef ban in Assam are adding layers of complexity to the political discourse. The coming months are likely to witness further developments as these issues unfold, with the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament setting the tone for the next phase of political battles.