The world's largest democracy underwent a significant political shift in its 2024 general election. Political pundits and exit polls predicted a landslide victory for India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party but the surprise result of the election reaffirmed the unpredictable nature of Indian politics. Although Prime Minister Modi has secured a third term, his BJP failed to achieve outright parliamentary majority in the 543-seat lower house of parliament. Nirmala Ganapathy, The Straits Times' India bureau chief discussed the factors that contributed to the shock election outcome and the priorities the new government will focus on.