In a major political shift in Lakshadweep, Indian National Congress (INC) candidate Muhammed Hamdulla Sayeed has won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, defeating the incumbent Member of Parliament Mohammed Faizal Padippura from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) [NCP(SP)]. Sayeed secured a victory by a margin of 2,647 votes in a fiercely contested election, marking a significant change in the Union Territory's political landscape.

The election, held on April 19, 2024, was part of the first phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections, and saw a voter turnout of 84.16%. The Union Territory of Lakshadweep, with a total voter base of 57,594, has only one Lok Sabha constituency. This year’s results indicate a major challenge to the dominance of the NCP(SP) in the region, which had won the sole seat in the 2014 and 2019 General Elections.

A Close Contest: INC vs NCP(SP)

The main contest in Lakshadweep was between the Indian National Congress-led INDIA alliance and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The NCP(SP), led by Sharad Pawar, fielded its incumbent MP Mohammed Faizal Padippura, who had previously secured consecutive victories in 2014 and 2019. However, this time, he was up against the experienced Muhammed Hamdulla Sayeed, a former MP and the son of P.M. Sayeed, who was the longest-serving MP from Lakshadweep.

The INC, part of the INDIA bloc, saw Sayeed's candidacy as a significant chance to regain political ground in the region. Sayeed’s victory is seen as a reflection of growing discontent with the NCP(SP) and a shift in local political dynamics.

The NDA and Tourism Push

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies in the NDA had fielded T.P. Yousuf from the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) to contest the seat. However, the main contest remained between the NCP(SP) and INC, both of which are members of the INDIA bloc.

Ahead of the elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep to promote tourism in the region. Photos of the Prime Minister snorkeling in the archipelago gained traction in the media, with speculations that his visit was part of a strategy to boost the region's appeal as a tourism destination while simultaneously courting local votes. The BJP’s push for tourism development was seen as an attempt to enhance the region's profile, especially in light of the growing global interest in eco-tourism.

Ramazan Impact on Poll Campaigns

Due to the timing of the election during the holy month of Ramazan, much of the campaigning took place in the evenings after Iftar, in line with local customs. This factor also influenced the intensity and timing of political rallies, with candidates and their supporters adjusting their strategies to accommodate the fasting hours. This gave a unique flavor to the electioneering process, with a heavy emphasis on community outreach during non-daylight hours.

Results and Future Implications

Muhammed Hamdulla Sayeed's victory represents a notable shift in Lakshadweep's political trajectory. His win, by such a close margin, highlights the changing political landscape and suggests that the region’s electorate is becoming increasingly open to new leadership. Sayeed's victory is also a testament to the Congress party’s continued relevance in the region, despite the dominance of the NCP(SP) and the ongoing influence of BJP-led initiatives.

With a Muslim-majority population, Lakshadweep’s elections have always been closely watched by political analysts for their potential to affect broader national political trends. Sayeed’s win is expected to shift power dynamics in the Union Territory and influence future political campaigns in the region.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Lakshadweep?

The outcome of the 2024 Lakshadweep election will have a long-lasting impact on the region's governance, with local leaders now seeking to capitalize on the political changes. Whether the victory will translate into greater influence for the INC or serve as a springboard for Sayeed’s political future remains to be seen. However, the significance of this election lies not only in the change of leadership but in the ongoing evolution of the region’s political identity in a rapidly changing India.