Allies Back PM Modi for Historic Third Term Amid Election Drama

A rising opposition saw Narendra Modi's once-dominant majority in the last election, which set a record for the most consecutive terms as prime minister of India. Modi's National Democratic Alliance (NDA) backed him the day after the election results were announced, guaranteeing his position as leader again.

Mr.Modi, who is 73 years old, was put in an odd situation where he had to rely on the smaller parties in the NDA to secure a legislative majority. The BJP won 240 seats, a considerable decrease from their 2019 total of 303 seats, but still fell short of the 272 seats required. There was much political wrangling after the opposition INDIA alliance won 232 seats.

NDA leaders "unanimously" backed Modi as their leader at a high-stakes meeting held at his Delhi house, reiterating their commitment to working with India's oppressed communities. There is much conjecture about the concessions that the BJP may have given its allies, including the possibility of coveted ministerial positions.

Modi's New Challenge

Narendra Modi will rule without an absolute majority for the first time during this term, ushering in a new chapter in coalition politics. Modi's biographer, Nilanajan Mukhopadhyay, speculated that this change would compel the prime minister to work with others more. Mukhopadhyay said, "We shall see more democracy and a healthy parliament." "He will have to be a leader that he has never been; we will have to see a new Modi."

Opposition Honors Accomplishments

Though the INDIA alliance did not secure a majority, it was proud of its noteworthy achievements. The president of the Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge, praised the alliance's "overwhelming support" and saw the outcome as a rejection of the BJP's "politics of hate, corruption, and deprivation." In his social media statement, Kharge stressed that the mandate was both a protest and a defense of the Indian Constitution.

Global Reactions and Record Participation

Congratulating Modi, the White House said it was excited to collaborate with India for a "free and open" Asia. With almost 600 million voters—or 66% of eligible voters—participating, the Indian election of 2024 was a spectacle for the entire world. Nearly a billion individuals, or one-eighth of the global population, were registered to vote.

The seven-round poll, which took place between April 19 and June 1, was beset by logistical difficulties and harsh weather, with temperatures reaching around 50°C in some areas of India. The high turnout demonstrated the Indian voters' tenacity and dedication.

Swearing-In Ceremony Details

President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the swearing-in ceremony for Modi's third straight term on June 9 at 7:15 PM at Rashtrapati Bhavan. More than 8,000 dignitaries are anticipated for the main event, including well-known international figures like Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka, and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal of Nepal.

Strict Security Procedures

The high-profile event has prompted an increase in security. Rashtrapati Bhavan will be protected by a multi-layered security system that includes snipers, drones, NSG commandos, and paramilitary forces. The fact that bilateral meetings are scheduled for the day following the ceremony emphasizes the importance of the occasion.

The opposition's advances, the coalition dynamics, and the historically high voter turnout all attest to the vitality of Indian democracy. With a mandate to lead India through partnership and a renewed emphasis on its different needs, all eyes are on Modi to watch how he handles this new chapter. 

So, stay tuned and set your eyes for the grand oath ceremony going to be held!

And we’ll keep you posted with more uncovering this Lok Sabha General Elections!