India’s 2024 Lok Sabha election, the national ambiance of the political arena is drenched with the colors of hopes and strategies, predominantly from the present Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wants to win a historic third term in office. This election is not just a measure of the popularity of Modi but also a mirror that presents the tactical approach of the BJP to link, stating polarizing domestic and external narratives aimed at opponents and allies alike.

The election for the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament, is set to be conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, 2024, with results announced on June 4. These elections come at a time when Modi’s administration seeks to solidify its governance amidst challenges of economic reforms, social policies, and regional stability. Historically, Modi has leveraged a strong nationalistic tone to galvanize support, and this election seems to follow that pattern.

Prime Minister Modi’s recent speeches have been marked by an increasingly strident tone against neighboring countries, notably Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In a rally, Modi critiqued Pakistan, stating, “A country that used to export terrorism is now begging for flour,” a comment that underscores his shift from previous calls for cooperation against poverty and disease. This rhetorical pivot is seen as an effort to invoke nationalistic fervor among the electorate. Simultaneously, Modi has reignited issues with Sri Lanka over the Katchatheevu Island, a 1.9-kilometer stretch in Palk Bay. It has been a point of contention since its cession to Sri Lanka in 1974 through a bilateral agreement.

The BJP’s renewed interest in the island is perceived as a strategic move to appeal to voters in Tamil Nadu, a state where the party has struggled to make significant inroads.

The Modi government’s strategy extends beyond political rallies and speeches into the realms of media and cinema. The BJP has effectively utilized films to craft a narrative supporting its ideology. Films such as “The Accidental Prime Minister” and “How Killed Shastri”, released before the 2019 elections, depicted historical and political figures in light that were favorable to the BJP’s narratives. Recent releases like “Main Atal Hoon” and “Accident and Conspiracy: Godhra” continue this trend, attempting to influence public perception and voter sentiment. This synchronization of cinema with political campaigns is not incidental. It is calculated to reinforce the party’s ideological base and attract undecided voters by presenting dramatized versions of political events that align with the BJP’s perspectives.

A key battleground for Modi’s campaign is Tamil Nadu, where the BJP failed to secure any seats in the previous general elections. The renewed rhetoric surrounding Katchatheevu Island is intended to resonate with local sentiments, potentially swaying voters by addressing regional nationalist feelings. The issue has historical roots, with various political entities in Tamil Nadu, including the DMK, having repeatedly raised the matter, reflecting its significance in local politics. Additionally, the Modi government’s stand in the Supreme Court in 2013, which stated that the island issue had been settled permanently, contrasts sharply with the current narrative, highlighting a tactical shift designed to mobilize electoral support at the cost of consistency in policy positions.

While the domestic electoral benefits of such strategies are clear, they carry implications for India’s relations with its neighbors. Pakistan’s recent overtures towards peace and bilateral trade are juxtaposed against the backdrop of India’s aggressive posturing, potentially delaying any progress toward reconciliation.

Similarly, the dispute over Katchatheevu could exacerbate tensions with Sri Lanka, impacting not only diplomatic relations but also the lives of fishermen and local economies tied to the Palk Bay region.

As the 2024 general elections approach, the intertwining of Modi’s political aspirations with regional disputes and nationalistic rhetoric paints a complex picture of India’s political landscape. The BJP’s strategy of leveraging national pride, historical grievances, and media influence is a potent mix designed to secure electoral gains. However, the ramifications of such an approach may extend beyond the polls, affecting regional stability and international relations. In essence, the current political environment in India is a tapestry of strategic electoral campaigns, historical disputes, and a potent mix of media and nationalism, all playing out in the high-stakes arena of an impending general election. As Modi seeks a third term, the stakes are high, not just for his political future but for the broader geopolitical dynamics of the region. The outcome of these elections will likely influence India’s path forward, both internally and in its interactions with the wider world.