The Indian general elections in 2014 were significant for several reasons, including the overwhelming victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Narendra Modi. While the elections were generally viewed as democratic and peaceful, there were some criticisms and controversies surrounding certain aspects. Some of the issues considered disgraceful or controversial include:
1. **Use of Hate Speech:**
- During the election campaign, there were instances of hate speech and divisive rhetoric by politicians from various parties. Some comments were criticized for promoting communal tensions and religious polarization.
2. **Inflammatory Campaigning:**
- The campaign season saw instances of inflammatory remarks and controversial statements by political leaders. Critics argued that such tactics undermined the principles of fair and inclusive campaigning.
3. **Allegations of Paid News:**
- There were allegations of paid news, where media outlets were accused of accepting money to provide favorable coverage to certain political parties or candidates. This raised concerns about the integrity and impartiality of media coverage.
4. **Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) Controversies:**
- There were concerns and allegations regarding the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Some parties and individuals raised suspicions of tampering with voting machines, although these claims were largely dismissed by the Election Commission.
5. **Questionable Funding:**
- Questions were raised about the transparency of political funding and donations. Some political parties faced allegations of accepting illegal or undisclosed funds, leading to calls for greater financial transparency in political campaigns.
6. **Social Media Manipulation:**
- The use of social media for political campaigning raised concerns about the spread of misinformation and the potential manipulation of public opinion. The rapid dissemination of information and the viral nature of content on social media platforms were both assets and liabilities during the elections.
7. **Dynastic Politics Criticism:**
- Some critics argued that the prevalence of dynastic politics, where political positions were often inherited within families, undermined the principles of meritocracy and fair representation.
8. **Campaign Expenditure:**
- The vast amounts of money spent on election campaigns raised concerns about the influence of money in politics. Critics argued that excessive campaign spending favored wealthier candidates and parties, potentially distorting the democratic process.
It's important to note that while these issues were noted and criticized, the 2014 Indian general elections were ultimately recognized as free and fair by international observers. India has a vibrant and diverse democracy, but challenges related to money in politics, hate speech, and electoral practices persist and are subjects of ongoing debate and reform efforts.