Changes in India after 2014, Indian politics ought to be the vibrant area where major transformations have taken place since 2014, and the installation of Narendra Modi as PM has subtly signaled a major shift in the country’s political, economic, and socio-cultural ropes.
This period has witnessed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rise to its position as a powerful player, along with numerous structural and conversational financial reforms as well as the changing dynamics of diplomacy in foreign and local domains.
This post will parallel the most important changes in Indian politics in succession to 2014, with extra attention to progress.
Changes in India after 2014
The BJP’s Domination of the Political Scene
In the political scenario post-2014 in India, the rise of the BJP as the primary force has been the most salient development. Under Narendra Modi’s leadership, the BJP won a spotless victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, thereby reaching an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, which no party had done before since 1984.
This success ultimately reached a high point in the 2019 general elections, and BJP’s excelling in terms of governance was cemented further, paradoxically.
The dawn of the BJP’s influence has meant the decline of the Indian National Congress (INC) to some extent, the party that had been the foremost political force for decades.
The BJP’s blend of majoritarianism and economic development measures has resonated with the broadest possible public, especially the youth and middle class in urban areas.
Reforms in the Economic field and Launch of Development Projects
The series of reforms can characterize the post-2014 epoch in the politics in India tilted towards the economy that was designed to spur development.
At the top of these is the imposition of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017, the intention of which was to stop the sliced tax system found in India and to facilitate open trading. Towards the end of the first year, the challenges started to wear off, and GST can be seen as an exclusive move towards economic unification and the simplification of the tax regime.
The large currency notes worth in November 2016 was another major reform that was made. It opened a broad discussion of uncivilized issues of black money, selling fake notes, and corruption that had the economy paralyzed.
Even though it was a short-term disruption of the economy, the move towards it also made a great impact on the increased transition of digital transactions and the institutionalization of the economy.
The “Make in India” initiative, which was started in 2014, was a plan to turn India from a developing country into a global manufacturing center. Both the local and foreign are participating in the initiative and something out of it is the creation of jobs and the upturn of the economy.
On the same point, the “Digital India” Campaign is also known for its transformation of online infrastructure and the result is an increase in internet connectivity, which in turn is a major contribution to electronic literacy and governance.
Social and Welfare Policies
Indian politics have shown other aspects of development come about by the many social and welfare policies after 2014 as well. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMDJY) introduced to bring financial inclusion by making sure that every household has access to financial services.
This policy has done a good job with the accounts at the banks that have been opened and by getting direct transfers, it has ended all the looting in the welfare schemes.
The Ayushman Bharat plan, which in 2018 was a government flagship scheme, is an excellent discipline for the promotion of health insurance coverage to the less fortunate. It is designed to cover about 500 million people, making it one of the world’s most populous government-funded healthcare programs.
Furthermore, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, started in 2014, and targeted at sanitation and hygiene in the whole country. Over this campaign, many toilets have been constructed, and the open defecation problem has been almost eliminated, which is a contribution to a higher public health state.
Reorientations of Foreign Policy
India’s foreign policy has been subjected to considerable changes, too, from 2014 onward, being characterized by a more pronounced concentration on tighter cooperation with neighboring countries and some other major world powers. The “Neighborhood First” policy has endeavored to consolidate the regional collaboration and integration while “Act East” has prioritized the strengthening of ties with Southeast Asian nations.
The partnership between India and the US, Japan, and Australia has been further strengthened due to the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) framework. The purpose of these partnerships is to establish a free and open Indo-Pacific region that is inclusive and countervailing to China.
Obstacles and Censures
Notwithstanding the many breakthroughs and reforms, the politics in India post-2014 had difficulties and criticisms. One of the strains was the way the economy was handled, especially after the policy of demonetization and the reform of GST was met with huge opposition.
The economic drawbacks, high unemployment, and the troubles around agriculture have been some of the hottest topics.
Besides, the BJP’s adherence to Hindutva has raised debates on communal division and discrimination against religious minorities. Matters associated with freedom of speech, media independence, and human rights as well are the bone of contention.
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Bottom Line
Indian political environment went through tremendous change after the year of 2014, which was characterized by the priority for the country’s growth.
The strong grip of the BJP, financial policy improvements, social aid programs, and changed foreign policies are the ones that have brought the utmost effect on the progress of the country. Despite the positive changes, there have been also negative aspects that should be addressed.
The issue of sustainability is coming on board more often, but the ruling class does not put much effort into creating an all-round culture of equality, fairness, and prosperity.
