The Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ lone Lok Sabha seat was claimed by the BJP in the 2024 General Election, held in a single-phase poll on April 19. This result marks a significant moment for the islands, with a turnout of 64.10% from a pool of 3,12,373 voters.

A Historic Vote for the Shompen Community

In a first for the islands, seven members of the Shompen tribe—classified as a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG)—participated in this election. Their presence at the polls marks a historic shift, reflecting efforts to bridge longstanding isolation and strengthen the integration of indigenous communities in the democratic process. "Casting our votes felt like being part of a larger world," shared one Shompen voter, emphasizing the hope for future improvements in connectivity, education, and healthcare.

A Close Contest and Community Expectations

The Andaman constituency saw a fierce battle among major parties. BJP’s Bishnu Pada Ray, a veteran who represented the region in Parliament from 1999 to 2004 and again from 2009 to 2019, emerged victorious over Congress incumbent MP Kuldeep Rai Sharma. Congress had retained the seat in 2019, making this year’s result a shift in the political tide.

For many residents, the outcome represents a mandate for development. “We want real progress—better roads, job opportunities, and respect for our island’s identity,” said Lakshmi, a teacher from Port Blair. Locals expressed optimism that Ray’s return would bring attention to infrastructure improvements, youth employment, and the expansion of critical services like healthcare and education.

Bringing Voter Priorities into Focus

Islanders voiced mixed feelings on the issues they hope will take priority. While some want greater environmental protections amid rising tourist inflow, others seek economic growth and a stronger response to regional security challenges, including poaching and China’s maritime influence. With such diverse concerns, the winning party faces a unique balancing act to meet the aspirations of both long-term residents and indigenous communities.

A Changing Political Landscape

The 2024 elections not only reflected the growing participation of remote communities but also signaled an expanding political landscape. A diverse range of candidates, from AIADMK’s K. J. B. Selvaraj to CPI(M)’s D Ayyappan and SUCI(C)’s Salamat Mondal, aimed to offer voters a broad choice of representation.

A Future of Unity and Development

As the Andaman and Nicobar Islands move forward, the election outcome is both a celebration of democracy and a reminder of the unique cultural heritage that makes these islands distinctive. For the Shompen and all residents, it’s a call for development that respects the identity, heritage, and environmental richness of the islands.