Narendra Modi is the second person in the nation’s history to achieve this feat after Jawaharlal Nehru. Initially, the ceremony was expected to take place on Saturday, but it has now been confirmed for Sunday. Following his selection as the head of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Wednesday, PM Modi is poised to lead the country once again. This event marks a significant milestone in Indian politics, emphasizing Modi’s enduring influence and the trust vested in him by the NDA.
Several prominent South Asian leaders have been invited to attend the oath-taking ceremony. Confirmations have already been 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’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, showcasing the regional importance of this event.
BJP’s Performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections
In the recently conducted 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received 240 seats, down from 303 in 2019. The NDA, which had earlier won 352 constituencies, saw its total reduced to 293. Despite this drop, the NDA maintains above the 272-member majority required to form a government. This shift in seat count demonstrates the BJP’s reliance on allies, which has not occurred since 2014. The two most important allies in this coalition are Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which won 16 seats, and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United (JDU), which won 12 seats.
Demands from Allies: TDP and JDU
Both the TDP and the JDU have made specific conditions in exchange for their support. The TDP, led by Chandrababu Naidu, has requested the position of Lok Sabha Speaker. However, sources believe the BJP is more likely to offer the position of Deputy Speaker. This negotiation exemplifies the NDA’s complicated dynamics as it seeks to balance influence among its partners. The JDU, led by Nitish Kumar, is expected to push for the implementation of a Common Minimum Programme for the NDA. Furthermore, there are signs that Kumar may want to lead a group to oversee the program’s implementation. These requests demonstrate the coalition’s deliberate approach to ensuring all parties’ interests are represented.
Cabinet and Ministry Allocations
The allocation of key ministries is another critical aspect of the post-election scenario. The BJP is anticipated to retain control over the four major ministries: Home, Defence, Finance, and External Affairs. This retention signifies the party’s intent to maintain continuity and stability in these crucial areas of governance.
International and National Reactions
The international community has been quick to respond to PM Modi’s electoral success. US President Joe Biden congratulated Modi on his “historic election” victory, reflecting the global significance of India’s political developments. Domestically, PM Modi acknowledged the complexities of political life, stating that “winning and losing are part of politics, and the numbers game goes on.” This remark highlights his pragmatic approach to the electoral process and governance.
Future Policy Directions
As Modi begins his third term, expectations for policy stability and reforms are high. Moody’s, the credit rating agency, predicts that while policies would remain unchanged, important improvements may be delayed. This viewpoint highlights the difficulties of enacting broad-reaching changes in a diverse and dynamic political scene.
Strategic Implications
The success of the BJP, as well as the coalition dynamics that emerge, will influence India’s political and policy directions in the next years. To sustain a stable administration, smart compromises and talks will be required, as partners such as the TDP and JDU are relied on. The attendance of South Asian leaders at the oath-taking ceremony emphasizes India’s regional influence and the value of diplomatic relations. Confirmations from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as well as invitations to other nearby nations, highlight Modi’s geopolitical significance.
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