The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its leader, paving the way for the formation of a new council of ministers. This marks Modi’s third consecutive term as Prime Minister, a milestone not achieved since 1962. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place over the weekend, potentially on Sunday.
In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the NDA secured 293 seats, while the opposition INDIA bloc garnered 234 seats. The BJP emerged as the dominant force with 240 seats, though falling short of the majority mark of 272. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], with 16 and 12 seats respectively, played pivotal roles in bolstering the NDA’s position.
NDA’s parliamentary party will convene on Friday to formally elect Modi as its leader. Subsequently, Modi and the NDA leaders will meet President Droupadi Murmu to submit the letters of support from coalition partners and stake claim to form the next government. Hindustan Awam Morcha (Secular) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi confirmed these details following a meeting chaired by Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.
Top NDA leaders, including TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, arrived in the national capital to affirm their support for the coalition. Naidu emphasized that the TDP contested the elections as an NDA constituent and reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance. Sources indicate that while Naidu has not demanded the Speaker’s position for any of his party’s MPs, he is expected to seek central assistance for Andhra Pradesh, particularly for the development of Amaravati.
Similarly, the JD(U) has sought four positions in the council of ministers, with a preference for key ministries like agriculture or rural development. The party is also keen on discussing the demand for special status for Bihar in the coming days.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi tendered his resignation to President Murmu, who requested him to continue until the new government assumes office. The Union Cabinet recommended the dissolution of the 17th Lok Sabha, a request that was promptly accepted by the President. The current Lok Sabha’s term is set to end on June 16.
Meanwhile, the opposition INDIA bloc held a meeting in New Delhi. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the bloc would take necessary steps to address the public’s desire for an alternative to BJP governance. Kharge emphasized the mandate as a defense of the Indian Constitution and a stance against issues like price rise, unemployment, and crony capitalism.
International leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and French President Emmanuel Macron, extended their congratulations to Modi on his electoral victory. President Biden highlighted the growing friendship between the nations and the potential for a shared future.
The NDA meeting saw the attendance of prominent leaders such as BJP President J P Nadda, former party presidents Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, TDP’s Naidu, JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Lok Janshakti Party (R)’s Chirag Paswan, Janata Dal (Secular)’s H D Kumaraswamy, Jana Sena’s Pawan Kalyan, Asom Gana Parishad’s Atul Bora, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)’s Praful Patel. Leaders from 15 parties participated in the discussions.
A resolution passed at the meeting emphasized the NDA’s commitment to elevating living standards and promoting all-round development while preserving India’s heritage. The resolution praised Modi’s leadership and the significant progress made in the last decade under the NDA government. The leaders commended Modi’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and pledged their continued partnership in this goal.
Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the historic mandate, noting it as a reaffirmation of the public’s trust in the NDA’s leadership. He acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the third consecutive term, underscoring the achievements of the last ten years and the collective vision for India’s future.