As PM Modi’s BJP has secured a third term last in Lok Sabha elections, it is projected that a tough time lay ahead for the Indian PM. In his previous two terms, Modi enjoyed the overwhelming support of the people and won consecutive terms with a clear and thumping majority. Owing to the popularity of the BJP, the Modi government passed various controversial laws to accomplish its objectives. The abrogation of Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the construction of Ram Mandar boosted Modi’s political campaigns.

Dwindling economic indicators also caused concerns to the BJP, but Modi ignored them and continued to paddle the narrative of a strong Indian economy.

On the foreign policy front, the Modi government faced various setbacks as it pursued Hindutva-driven policies to accomplish its strategic objectives. PM Modi failed to bring peace to the region and rather escalated tension with China, Pakistan and other neighbours such as Nepal and Bangladesh. In their third term, Modi has raised the slogan of a greater and stronger India. However, the facts on the ground are different this time again. Modi government has failed to secure even a simple majority in Lok Sabha. For that matter, Modi’s BJP will have to work and collaborate with unusual collation partners, and it will not be an easy task.

The election campaign of BJP and PM Modi was focused on hate and communal division. BJP leaders vowed to end special quota for Muslims and other underdeveloped communities. Some of BJP’s hardliners, such as Yogi Aditiyanath and Amit Shah, during their campaign, called Muslim intruders. Their campaign went all out against non-Hindu groups. However, the people of India have punished them and proved that they do not agree with the Hindutva-centric agenda of the BJP. The BJP, therefore, secured only 241 seats out of 538 across the country. It is not in a position to stake claims for the government formation. The allies of Modi have shown resentment against the nationalist and Muslim policies of the BJP.

Therefore, Modi 3.0 will face various challenges in completing its term. Interestingly, political commentators claim that Modi is unlikely to complete his tenure as a PM at this time as some collation partners may withdraw their support in the near future due to policy differences. Besides this, collation partners have demanded key positions and powers from the Modi government. For instance, they want statehood in the state of Andhra Pradesh and more share in central development funds. Additionally, they have asked for key central ministries and the Lok Sabha speaker position. These demands have upset BJP leaders. Although the BJP refused to accept these demands, it will have to act in favour of them in future to keep the alliance and government intact.

Likewise, on the economic front, the Modi government is facing challenges due to the decline of the national currency against the US dollar. However, critics argue that Modi’s policies in his previous two terms could not yield the desired results and tangible gains, particularly regarding job creation. PM Modi has claimed that he has transformed India into a developmental and economic hub. However, independent research findings denied his claims. Instead, inflation and unemployment rates during the ten years of the Modi government increased extensively.

The demonetization policy in 2016 triggered massive inflation across the country and made the lives of the general masses miserable. It has also increased General Sale taxes on various commodities, ultimately creating more economic miseries for the people and the country in particular. Moreover, Modi didn’t allow people to criticize the government policies and used authoritarian tendencies to stop them. Similarly, the Indian people are facing various challenges today. Their dreams for a bright future seem dim. They are trapped under Modi’s nationalist policies.

Economic issues, rising inflation, unemployment, partisan politics, and foreign policy challenges are likely to dominate Modi 3.0.

Likely, the government will not complete its tenure, and a Congress-led alliance may take over the reins of government next year. Therefore, Indian economic miseries are likely to grow in the near future. Addressing these challenges requires multi-pronged strategies to facilitate the common man. As India stands at the crossroads of history, our choices today will shape the destiny of future generations.

The Modi government should stop manipulating economic indicators. Manipulation of the economic sector may increase miseries for the general masses. It will have to take tangible steps to ease inflation and the burden that was put on the shoulders of poor people. Rising inflation and falling economic indicators are likely to decrease Modi’s popularity.