Narendra Modi, the incumbent Prime Minister of India, is set to create history as he takes the oath of office for the third consecutive term on Sunday evening. This significant event follows his selection as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) earlier in the week, positioning him as only the second Indian Prime Minister to achieve this feat after Jawaharlal Nehru.
Initially scheduled for Saturday, the oath-taking ceremony has been rescheduled for Sunday evening. The event is expected to be attended by several prominent South Asian leaders, with confirmations already received from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Invitations have also been extended to Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.
The 2024 Lok Sabha election results, declared recently, marked a shift in the political landscape. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) saw a reduction in seats from 303 to 240, the NDA’s overall tally decreased from 352 to 293, still maintaining a majority above the 272 mark.
This situation underscores the importance of coalition politics, as PM Modi and the BJP now rely on their alliance partners to form a stable government. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) led by Chandrababu Naidu and the Janata Dal United (JDU) led by Nitish Kumar emerge as crucial allies with 16 and 12 seats respectively.
Both the TDP and JDU have articulated certain demands as part of their support for the government. The TDP has expressed interest in the Lok Sabha Speaker’s post, while the JDU may seek a Common Minimum Programme for the NDA, with Mr. Kumar leading its implementation committee if formed.
In terms of ministerial allocations, the BJP is expected to retain key portfolios such as Home, Defence, Finance, and External Affairs. Negotiations and discussions are underway to finalize the details and ensure a smooth transition into the new government.
Sources By Agencies
