Top 15 political events of 2014

The year 2014 has witnessed one of the most exciting phases in the history of Independent India. It began with the Aam Admi Party (AAP) emerging as a strong political outfit in Delhi and performing exceedingly well in the Assembly elections – an achievement that had not been foreseen even by the political pundits.Arvind Kejriwal replaced Sheila Dikshit who had been comfortably seated in power as the Chief Minister for the past fifteen years. This event was followed by Arvind Kejriwal's resignation that forced the imposition of president's rule in National Capital.This rather chaotic event was followed by the Lok Sabha Polls (General elections). One may regard this as one of the most exciting phases of Indian politics with even the global media closely following how political events unfolded in world's largest democracy. Narendra Modi traveled about 300,000 km for 437 public meetings in 25 states and addressed voters using innovative 3D rallies at 1350 places. Narendra modi's media blitzkrieg had such an impact that almost entire nation reverberated with chants of Abki baar Modi sarkar. The Indian National Congress suffered the worst defeat of its history. The defeat was so ignominious that the party could not even qualify for the LoP post.The BJP attained complete mandate and Narendra Modi – the man who was once scorned by the Indian media, despised by his political opponents and denied entry by the US, was sworn-in as the Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy. It was the beginning of a new era.As the year takes the final bow, let's turn back and have a look on some of the major political events that turned out to be the landmarks in history.Some of them are as follows:1. The rise and fall of Arvind Kejriwal and AAPBy 28th December, 2013, Kejriwal's Aam Admi Party was barely a year old when it made a spectacular electoral debut in Delhi and won 28 of the state's 70 seats, just four behind the BJP. In a mega political bender Arvind Kejriwal defeated three-time chief minister Sheila Dikshit in her constituency of New Delhi by 22,000 votes.The newly elected government was sworn-in on this day. Kejriwal was popular as the Chief Minister. His ‘aam admi schemes' received ovation from the Delhiites. But with time, this newbie party realized or should have realized that governance was not a piece of cake. He witnessed rebellion from his own party members and Vinod Binny was expelled from the party.On January 20, 2014, Kejriwal and his ministers staged protests at Rail Bhavan against the Union Government Home Ministry. These came after his Law Minister, Somnath Bharti, had been dissatisfied with the response from the Delhi police to allegations relating to a neighbourhood popular with immigrants from Uganda and Nigeria.In February 2014, the AAP tried to introduce a Jan Lokpal Bill in the Delhi Assembly as this was the main agenda of the party. The BJP and Congress prevented them from tabling it, and thus on February 14, AAP government resigned. Kejriwal alleged that there was a nexus among Congress, BJP and the industrialist Mukesh Ambani as he had filed an FIR against the latter.In March, the party sought re-elections. Arvind Kejriwal's decision was criticized by his fans. He is now remembered as the CM of 49 days' or AK 49 (A name given by Narendra Modi during his election rallies).AAP then contested the Lok Sabha Polls too but met with a crashing defeat. The party fielded 434 candidates out of which only four candidates won the elections (all from Punjab).Now the party is all set to re-contest Assembly polls in the National Capital - which has been under President's rule since Kejriwal's government abandoned it. Those polls are likely to be held early next year.2. Harish Rawat replaces Vijay Bahuguna as the Chief Minister of UttrakhandVijay Bahuguna resigned as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand on 31st January under the pressure of his party. The Congress wanted him to accept responsibility for the shoddy rehabilitation work carried out by his government after last year's flash floods in which nearly a thousand people died, and another 4000 reported missing.He was replaced by Harish Rawat, who enjoyed the backing of a majority of the Congress lawmakers in the state.Harish Rawat was sworn-in as the eighth Chief Minister of Uttarakhand in a ceremony held at the Raj Bhawan on 1st February, 2014.3. 2014 Lok Sabha ElectionsThe most exciting event of 2014 was the General Elections. Running in nine phases from 7 April to 12 May 2014, it was the longest election in the country's history.According to the Election Commission of India, 814.5 million people were eligible to vote, with an increase of 100 million voters since the last general election in 2009, making it the largest-ever election in the world.Escalating number of scams, unemployment, decline in GDP or in other words – Anti- incumbency prevailed in the country. The citizens had seen UPA government's performance and were eager for change.All political parties had already started preparations for the polls in 2013 but since January 2014, the election festival was bright in full swing.Election time is always exciting, but never before has it been as engaging as this one. A total of 8,251 candidates contested for the 543 Lok Sabha seats. The average election turnout over all nine phases was around 66.38%, the highest ever in the history of Indian general elections.Important issues during the campaign included high inflation, lack of jobs, economic slow down, corruption, security and terrorism, religious division and communalism, and infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water.2014 General Elections also saw a large number of celebrity participation. These included: Babul Supriyo (BJP), Nagma (actress) (INC), Bappi Lahiri (BJP), Gul Panag (AAP), Kirron Kher (BJP), Moon Moon Sen (TMC), Nandan Nilekani (INC), Paresh Rawal (BJP), Hema Malini (BJP), Shatrughan Sinha (BJP) and Smriti Irani (BJP).Bollywood's item girl Rakhi Sawant formed her own party – RAP (Rashtriya Aam Party) and opted for green chilly as the party symbol. She managed to scrape 15 votes from North West Mumbai Constituency.Narendra Modi stole the limelight. Arvind Kejriwal also managed to remain a highlight. Congress was for the first time not in focus owing to anti-incumbency and corruption factors. Rahul Gandhi's unimpressive speeches added to the party's dismay.4. Abki baar Modi Sarkar slogan takes form: Congress defeated, BJP gets the baton.During election rallies, the BJP had framed slogans of Abki baar Modi sarkar. Modi had confidently predicted victory. Even the Opposition, it appeared knew that they were fighting a long lost battle.The results were declared on 16 May, fifteen days before the 15th Lok Sabha completed its constitutional mandate on 31 May 2014. The National Democratic Alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, won a sweeping victory, taking 336 seats.The BJP itself won 31.0% of all votes and 282 (51.9%) of all seats. It is the first time since the 1984 Indian general elections that a party has won enough seats to govern without the support of other parties.BJP's victory was largely credited to Narendra Modi and his right-hand man Amit Shah. The duo created history and will be remembered for their strategic planning. Amit Shah laid the road map and Modi executed the plan with hardly any deviation.From September last year Narendra Modi who was back then Prime Ministerial candidate of the BJP addressed 437 big rallies, participated in a total 5827 public interfacing events and traveled over three lakh kilometres across 25 states in his attempt to connect himself to the people everywhere. During his campaign, Modi, pledged to speed government decision-making and remove bureaucratic hurdles that have slowed development.Modi won from both seats he contested; defeating Arvind Kejriwal in Varanasi and Madhusudan Mistry of the Congress party in Vadodara (by a margin of 570,128 votes, the second highest ever).He led the BJP-led NDA to a decisive victory in the general elections in which the ruling Indian National Congress suffered its worst ever defeat. Modi relinquished his Vadodara seat and chose Varanasi instead.Modi effectively used social media like Twitter, Facebook and Google in his campaign, besides Google Hangouts and holograms for campaign appearances. He even posted a selfie on Twitter and his victory tweet emerged as the most retweeted in India.The Congress party was worst hit by the outcome. Rahul Gandhi, who spearheaded his party's campaign proved to be utter disappointment for the party. To cap it all, people were spotted leaving between his speeches in some of the rallies.All in all, the Congress party will remember 2014 as the blackest year in its history of existence since Independent India.5. Narendra Modi's oath taking ceremonyAnother crucial chapter of Indian politics was marked on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony, where the opportunity was seized to strengthen international political ties and solidarity. Narendra Modi was sworn in as Prime Minister on 26 May 2014 at the Rastrapati Bhavan.For the first time, a Prime Minister invited all SAARC leaders to attend his swearing-in ceremony. Modi invited Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam of Mauritius and Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.Since Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was unable to attend the ceremony, she was represented by the Speaker of National Parliament of Bangladesh Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury.To everyone's surprise, even Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was invited. His presence spelled a positive atmosphere that was assumed to establish peace between the two rival nations.6. Gopinath Munde's deathWhile the NDA government was still rejoicing over their triumphant victory in the Lok Sabha elections, Gopinath Munde's death came as a major shock. Munde was a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in Narendra Modi's Cabinet. However, he didn't live long enough after that.His death was mourned by people across party lines. Munde was one such leader who went along well with everyone irrespective of their ideology. Giving due respected to the departed, the first Parliamentary session was adjourned.Kamal Nath became the single only member to have taken official oath as a member of parliament of the 16th Lok Sabha.He was made the ProTem Speaker of the newly elected Lok Sabha. The first day of the lok Sabha on which the Pro Tem Speaker administers the oath of all other elected member as the Member of Parliament was called off. Since no other elected member had taken oath that day, they were not officially Member of Parliament.7. Leader of Opposition post denied to CongressReeling with a historic low number of 44 seats, The Indian National Congress was denied the post of Leader of Opposition (LoP). To get the LoP post in Lok Sabha, an opposition party has to secure a minimum of 10% of the seats that is it must have strength of 55 MPs.8. Nitish Kumar resigns as Chief Minister of Bihar and instead selects Jitan Ram Manjhi for the post.A day after his party, Janata Dal (United) was routed in the general elections, Nitish Kumar. The JD(U) won just two of Bihar's 40 Lok Sabha seats. His former partner the BJP has won 31 along with its allies."I take moral responsibility for the defeat...I should," said Kumar.Jitan Ram Manjhi, a close confidante of Nitish was made the CM.By choosing his favorite, Nitish hoped to have everything under his control. But ever since, Jitan Ram Manhji has been criticized for making controversial remarks during public speeches and pulling down the image of his party. Not to mention, handing out weapons of ridicule to their former ally – BJP.Time and again his very own party is demanding his resignation and so far he has his mentor's blessings, he is secure.9. Coalition of JDU and RJD contest Bihar Assembly bypolls together “to defeat communal forces”After RJD and JD (U)'s abysmal performance in the Lok Sabha Polls, they decided to unite to combat the BJP or what they termed as “communal forces”. The duo that was once considered rivals shocked their supporters by this decision. Even Congress joined them in their ‘cause'.RJD and JD (U) contested 10 Assembly seats together. RJD Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar shared dais in public meetings too after twenty years or rivalry.Thev political rivalry between Lalu and Nitish has been the worst of its kind with both of them spewing weapons at each other.Most political pundits believed that such an alliance would fall and their camaraderie would not last long. The BJP mocked the alliance saying that JD (U) has lost its credibility after severing ties with us and joining hands with RJD which gained notoriety for promoting jungle raj in Bihar.However, once again, voters surprised the political purohits and the RJD, JDU and Congress alliance swept six out of 10 seats. Around the same time, Uttar Pradesh also witnessed by-polls and this too proved to be a set back for the BJP.Somehow, a sense of animosity had evolved against the BJP owing to persistent price hike and especially hike in railway fares.10. Jayalalithaa's arrest/ O Panneerselvam made CM of TNSeptember 27 marked a black day for yesteryears actress and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. She was sentenced to four years imprisonment, thereby putting a long pause to her blooming political career. AIADMK supreme Jayalalithaa was fined 100 crore by the Special Court in Bangalore. She was convicted in an 18 year old disproportionate assets case framed by BJP leader Subramanium Swamy.Jayalalithaa's close aide Sasikala Nataranjan, her niece Ilavarasi, and her nephew Sudhakaran were also convicted along with her. This conviction automatically disqualified her from the post of CM. In fact she is the first Chief Minister to be convicted and disqualified while in office.Following Jayalalithaa's arrest, chaos prevailed in the state. Supporters moaned for ‘Amma'. Stone pelting, torching of public property and forceful closure of shops ensued following her arrest. AIADMK supporters burnt effigies of senior DMK leaders.Tollywood and several schools and colleges also shut for a while. Jayalalithaa has a huge bunch of followers and they were all aggrieved by her arrest. Many people even committed suicide.Jayalalithaa's close aide O Panneerselvam was handpicked to serve as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Currently Jayalalithaa is out on bail.11. BJP-Sena break-up and eventual patch-upSeptember 25, 2014 marked another important event. The 25-year-old BJP-Shiv Sena alliance split on this day followed by dramatic emotional outbursts in the form of anger, tears and scorn and eventual reunion after Maharashtra Assembly polls in which the BJP secured victory but could form only a minority government without Shiv Sena's support.Prior to the break-up, BJP claimed that Shiv Sena was not their enemy, and could consider post poll alliance. However Shiv Sena was not amused by this. Sena felt humiliated and went to the extent of criticizing Amit Shah and PM Modi. They alleged that had Bal Thackeray, he would not have been able to see this betrayal.The main reason behind their split was seat-sharing in the Assembly polls.But eventually alls well that ends well – the BJP and Shiv Sena patched up after elections and decided to dissolve all ill-feelings.12. Congress-NCP divorceWhile The BJP and Shiv Sena ended their 25-year-old relationship that helped shape Hindu revivalist politics in the country, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) snapped ties 15 years after it allied with the Congress. "We have decided to chart our independent path along with some secular-minded parties," state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare said.NCP leader Praful Patel expressed regret over the Congress' failure to finalise a seat sharing arrangement with the NCP and other secular parties even two days before the deadline for nominations on September 27.Praful Patel said the party has decided to contest elections independently, will also try to take support from secular and like-minded parties."We regret to say that even after being together for a long time, a pragmatic decision was not taken within Congress", Patel had said.The NCP also decided to quit the Congress-led government in the state, reducing the Congress government to a minority in the legislature.Buoyed by its performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the NCP demanded 144 seats to contest the polls, which the Congress refused.Eventually post Maharashtra Asembly polls in which the BJP secured 122 seats, needed support from another party. NCP conceded but later retracted displaying lack of trust for the BJP.13. Haryana Assembly PollsThe polling for 90 assembly seats in Haryana was marked by keen voters' participation as the state witnessed high a turnout of nearly 72.1 percent. Today's voting will decide the fate of 1,351 candidates, including 116 women.The polls were held on October 15.BJP performed exceedingly well by securing 47 seats. Narendra Modi's rallies did the magic. It was followed by INLD with 19 seats, then Congress with 15 seats.Modi's remarkable oratory skills are always worth hearing, but Haryana elections had another interesting element.INLD Chief Om Prakash Chautala,79, who was out on bail for medical reasons after being sentenced to 10 years in jail in the junior basic teachers' recruitment scam attended his party's mammoth rallies. He also declared that he would once again emerge as the Chief Minister of Haryana and take oath from Tihar jail. Chautala's entry brightened up the election atmosphere and raised his party's scope. It is no wonder that they were able to secure 19 seats.BJP of course was the clear winner and Manohar Lal khattar, a staunch RSS man, was made the Chief Minister. 14. Maharashtra Assembly ElectionsMaharashtra assembly election was held on October 15, 2014 to select the 288 members. The result was announced on October 19 with the BJP getting a plurality.Following the NCP-INC alliance's performance in the Indian general election, 2014, the NCP demanded 144 seats to contest and a rotation of the Chief Minister's post between parties. Both parties held negotiations but failed to reach a conclusion. Congress declared its list of candidates for 118 seats on 25 September without consulting the NCP. Thus, the NCP unilaterally severed its 15-year-old alliance with the Congress.The Shiv Sena and BJP were alliance partners for 25-years - including several smaller parties, such as Republican Party of India (Athawale) and others were also a part. After the general election, the BJP demanded additional seats to contest; initially they requested 144 seats but later reduced their demand to 130 seats.The Shiv Sena offered 119 seats to the BJP and 18 seats to four other allies, keeping 151 to contest itself. After several rounds of negotiations, the parties did not reach a conclusion. Thus the Shiv Sena - BJP alliance ended on the 25 September as well.A total of 4,119 candidates contested the election. The BJP won 122 seats, followed by Shiv Sena winning 63 seats. Congress was reduced to 42 seats and NCP won 41.BJP formed government in Maharashtra and Devendra Fadnavis was appointed Chief Minister.