New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has invited Narendra Modi, the leader of the BJP’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA), to form the new union government following the coalition’s victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The swearing-in ceremony for Modi and his cabinet members is scheduled for Sunday at 6 pm.
Modi is set to become the first Prime Minister to serve three terms since Jawaharlal Nehru from the Congress party.
After meeting with the President, Modi addressed the media, stating, “This morning, all NDA allies elected me as their leader and informed the President. Consequently, the President appointed me as the PM-designate. I informed the President that Sunday evening would be a suitable time for the oath-taking ceremony.”
He expressed his gratitude to the voters for granting the NDA a third term in office. “The NDA has been entrusted with the opportunity to serve the nation once again. I want to thank the people for this chance and assure them that we will continue to work with the same dedication and pace as in the previous terms,” Modi said.
Reflecting on his tenure, he remarked, “The continuity of the NDA government in its first, second, and now third term will drive the country forward. With a decade of experience as Prime Minister, I am well-prepared to utilize this experience effectively.”
In the recently concluded elections, the BJP secured 240 seats, falling 32 short of a majority. However, with the support of NDA members who hold 53 seats, the party will retain power for a third consecutive term. This victory allows Modi to match Jawaharlal Nehru’s record of three terms as Prime Minister.
The support from incoming Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s 16 TDP MPs and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s 12 JDU MPs is crucial for the BJP to form a stable government. Without these 28 seats, the BJP’s count drops to 265.
Negotiations are ongoing between the BJP and its key allies, who are seeking significant ministerial positions and, in the TDP’s case, the Lok Sabha Speaker’s Chair. Sources indicate that the JDU is requesting at least two cabinet positions, a junior minister’s post, and a common minimum program in exchange for their support.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction and Chirag Paswan’s LJP, with seven and five MPs respectively, are also negotiating for their share of ministerial positions.
