The period from 2004 to 2009 marked a significant juncture in Indian politics, characterized by a change in leadership, policy focus, and the dynamics of governance. The Lok Sabha elections held during this time were a reflection of evolving voter preferences, economic aspirations, and regional influences.
Situation Before the Election: The early 2000s witnessed the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) gaining momentum as an alternative political coalition. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had been in power since 1999. However, by 2004, anti-incumbency sentiments, coupled with the perception of unfulfilled promises, had created a platform for the UPA to challenge the NDA’s rule.
Major Agenda of the Election: The 2004-2009 Lok Sabha elections were marked by discussions on inclusive growth, rural development, and social welfare. Parties sought to address the concerns of marginalized sections, while also focusing on economic development and security. The elections also coincided with debates around the India-US nuclear deal, which added a diplomatic dimension to the political narrative.
Number of Members: The Lok Sabha elections of 2004-2009 were conducted across 543 constituencies, each representing a distinct region of the country. These constituencies collectively determined the composition of the Lok Sabha and the balance of power within it.
Winning Party and Opposition: The 2004 Lok Sabha elections resulted in a surprising victory for the UPA, led by the Indian National Congress (INC). Manmohan Singh was sworn in as the Prime Minister, and the UPA managed to secure the support of various regional parties. The NDA, led by the BJP, was relegated to the opposition benches.
Election Analysis: The 2004-2009 period marked a significant shift in political fortunes. The UPA’s victory was attributed to a combination of factors, including its ability to project a more inclusive development agenda and capitalize on discontent with the NDA’s rule. Manmohan Singh’s leadership and his role in initiating economic reforms in the 1990s also contributed to the Congress’s appeal.The UPA government’s tenure was marked by several policy initiatives, such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), aimed at providing rural employment, and the Right to Information Act (RTI), promoting transparency and accountability in governance.However, as the UPA’s tenure progressed, controversies and challenges emerged. The India-US nuclear deal faced opposition from various quarters, leading to internal debates within the coalition. Additionally, issues related to inflation, national security, and terrorism posed governance challenges.The 2009 Lok Sabha elections marked another turning point. While the UPA secured a renewed mandate, the Congress party’s seat tally reduced, leading to concerns about its stability. The election also highlighted the increasing influence of regional parties, as well as the rise of identity politics in certain states.
Results of Political Parties
| Party Name | Seats Won |
|---|
| Indian National Congress (INC) | 141 |
| Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | 130 |
| Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) | 43 |
| Samajwadi Party (SP) | 36 |
| Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) | 24 |
| Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) | 17 |
| Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) | 16 |
| Shiv Sena (SS) | 12 |
| Biju Janata Dal (BJD) | 11 |
| Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) | 11 |
| Communist Party of India (CPI) | 10 |
| Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) | 8 |
| Independent (Ind.) | 6 |
| Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) | 6 |
| Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) | 5 |
| Telugu Desam Party (TDP) | 5 |
| Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) | 5 |
| Lok Jan Shakti Party (LJSP) | 4 |
| Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) | 4 |
| All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) | 3 |
| Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) | 3 |
| Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) | 3 |
| Revolutionary Socialist Party (India) (RSP) | 3 |
| Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) | 2 |
| Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (J&KNC) | 2 |
| Kerala Congress (KEC) | 2 |
| All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) | 1 |
| All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) | 2 |
| Bharatiya Navshakti Party (BNP) | 1 |
| Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (J&KPDP) | 1 |
| Mizo National Front (MNF) | 1 |
| Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) | 1 |
| Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF) | 1 |
| National Loktantrik Party (NLP) | 1 |
| Republican Party of India (A) (RPI(A)) | 1 |
| Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) | 1 |
| Tatal | 523 |
|---|
Lok Sabha Officers
| Position | Name | From | To | Days in Office |
|---|
| 01 Speaker | Somnath Chatterjee | 04.06.2004 | 30.05.2009 | 1,822 |
| 02 Deputy Speaker | Charanjit Singh Atwal | 05.06.2004 | 30.05.2009 | 1,819 |
| 03 Secretary-General | Yogendra Narain | 01.04.2004 | 31.03.2010 | 2,190 |
| 04 Leader of the House | Pranab Mukherjee | 22.05.2004 | 04.06.2009 | 1,845 |
| 05 Leader of the Opposition | L. K. Advani | 21.03.1998 | 19.05.2004 | 2,236 |
| 06 Leader of the Opposition | Lal Krishna Advani | 19.05.2004 | 13.06.2009 | 1,854 |
In conclusion, the Lok Sabha elections from 2004 to 2009 represented a period of transition and evolving political dynamics. The UPA’s victory signaled a focus on inclusive development and policy initiatives, while the NDA’s opposition role underscored the complexities of addressing a diverse range of concerns in India’s democratic landscape.
