Youth Power: How Modi's Re-Election Shapes the Future for Young South Asians

Written By Melanin Magazine

Modi and the BJP have been re-elected for a 3rd successive term in India. Read about how young voters shaped the election, and the effects for South Asians abroad.

By Kireth Sandhu - June 2024

India recently concluded its 2024 general elections, a staggering 44 day exercise split into 7 phases. The Indian Election Commission (ECI) estimated that 640 million people cast their votes this year in what is the world’s largest democratic exercise, occurring every 5 years. Populist leader Modi and his centre-right party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been re-elected for a 3rd successive term. Yet underneath this expected win is an undercurrent of resistance from the Indian population, and increasing criticism abroad. So why is Modi’s win so important, and what does this mean for young South Asians globally?

HT File Photo/Sanchit Khanna from The Hindustan Times

The importance of the youth vote

The BJP still holds the largest number of seats but have actually lost their outright parliamentary majority in the Lok Sabha. More notably, the seats they lost have been traditional strongholds for their party and policies. They will therefore continue the National Democratic Alliance coalition (NDA) with two regional secular parties to pass legislation and maintain governance. The largest opposition group was the Inclusive National Development, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) Bloc, whose 2024 campaign revolved around the importance of maintaining the Indian constitution and including all Indian groups in its policy concerns.

In 2024, 22% of India’s registered voters were under 29 years old, enough to be the world’s eighth largest country. The voter turnout for those under 25 has also gone up from 54% in 2009 to 68% and 67% in 2014 and 2019 respectively. Modi recognised the importance of the youth vote, engaging with influencers and even sitting alongside gamers while campaigning. Whilst the youth vote contributed to Modi’s win, a notable number also shifted to the opposite bloc. The INDIA collective earned 41% of the youth vote share, an increase of 15% compared to the 2019 election.

Twitter/@narendramodi

There is an unsatisfied undercurrent to the youth of India. After 10 years of power, some refute the familiar promises and see only low outcomes, evidenced by a high youth unemployment rate of 10% in 2023. Additionally, Modi was caught making Islamaphobic comments while campaigning, with many political commentators noting how unexpectedly divisive the 2024 BJP campaign was. As technological developments increase and the voices of young people rise, parties across the globe will have to ensure they continue investing in youth concerns through their policies and cultural positioning.

South Asians abroad and opportunities within India

India holds strong economic ties with Australia and New Zealand. Anthony Albanese and Christopher Luxom have congratulated Modi on his win, and both will likely hope to build upon strong trade opportunities with the world’s 5th largest economy. There may be more young Indians seeking opportunities abroad, whether in Australian universities or the workforce. But the nationalistic policies of the BJP should be considered for Indian and non-Indian residents alike.

Late last year, the Canadian and United States governments revealed knowledge of multiple assassinations of Sikh activists on their soil, all instigated by the BJP government. This is a highly concerning silencing tactic of critical voices, and a dangerous sign of the Indian government’s reach extending beyond its borders. This situation left thousands of Indian students and immigrants in Canada unable to return home, as the Indian government temporarily rescinded all Canada-India visas in response to this exposure. The BJP has also been known to silence its critics on Twitter/ X, and even jail opposing activists on weak charges. The public killings of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and other Sikh activists have strained Canada-India and US-India relations, and left other international leaders in an uncertain place as the political ramifications continue to unfold.

Alternatively, this nationalistic interest does hold opportunity for non-Indians to build economic relationships with the growing economy. The Make in India initiative introduced in 2014 which has greatly grown the economy will shift from government injections to private investment. Foreign investors have already indicated interest in the growing middle class and skilled workforce as technology access rises, with India’s economy forecast to be 3rd largest in the world by 2027. Those with an interest in start-ups and investing should turn their attention to the activity and possibilities within India.

Danish Siddiqui/Reuters from The Caravan

Looking ahead

The Indian election was one of the most significant on the 2024 calendar, and holds clues for future elections both within India and abroad. While Modi’s re-election underscores a growing resistance to authoritarianism, especially among younger voters, it also emphasises the importance of political engagement and awareness. The continued nationalist policies may complicate immigration and international relations, but the strengthening economic ties between India and countries like Australia present significant opportunities for professional and educational exchanges.

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