On a historic day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath of office for an unprecedented third straight term as the head of a coalition government. The swearing-in ceremony witnessed the induction of several leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, reflecting the BJP’s commitment to rewarding its allies.
Modi’s Remarkable Achievement
At the age of 73, Modi equalled the feat of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who won three consecutive general elections in 1952, 1957, and 1962. This achievement underscores Modi’s enduring popularity and his party’s dominance in the country’s political landscape.
Cabinet Composition: Balancing Experience and Allies
Following Modi’s oath-taking, several senior leaders, including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and Nitin Gadkari, were sworn in as Cabinet Ministers. Seasoned leaders like Nirmala Sitharaman also retained their positions, ensuring continuity and experience in key portfolios.
In a strategic move, Modi inducted several MPs from NDA partners, acknowledging their contributions to the alliance’s success. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the BJP in Andhra Pradesh, where the NDA won an impressive 21 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats, secured two ministerial berths each.
Other notable inclusions were Ram Mohan Naidu and Pemmasani Chandrashekhar from the TDP, H.D. Kumaraswamy from the JD(S), and Sarbananda Sonowal from the BJP.
NDA’s Electoral Performance
The NDA secured a comfortable 286 seats in the recently concluded general elections. However, the BJP’s individual tally of 240 seats fell short of the 272-majority mark, indicating a decline from its previous performances of 303 seats in 2019 and 282 seats in 2014.
International Presence at the Swearing-in Ceremony
Reflecting India’s growing global stature, leaders from seven countries in the South Asia and Indian Ocean regions graced the swearing-in ceremony with their presence. Their attendance underscores the importance of strengthening regional ties and fostering cooperation in the region.
As Modi embarks on his third term, the nation eagerly anticipates the unveiling of his cabinet’s complete composition and the allocation of crucial portfolios. With a blend of experienced leaders and fresh faces from coalition partners, the new government is poised to tackle the challenges ahead and chart a course towards a prosperous and inclusive India.
