Unique milestone in Indian politics-continuously for the 3rd consecutive time coming as the PM for the fast developing nation
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Narendra Modi is set to take oath as the Prime Minister of India for the third time on Sunday. This is an extraordinary event not only in India but also in the realm of global democracy. Modi has not only matched the record of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, but, as studies show, he is the only leader in the broader democratic world post-World War II to be elected for a third consecutive term after completing each previous term with a consistent vote share, a testament to his enduring popularity.
A Unique Milestone in Indian Politics
In India, Nehru had been the sole Prime Minister to win the public’s confidence for three consecutive terms until now. Modi, now the second to achieve this feat, has done so under different circumstances. Unlike Nehru, whose vote percentage decreased in his third term, Modi’s vote share has remained almost constant.
Nehru’s victories in 1952, 1957, and 1962 showed fluctuating support, with his vote percentage peaking in 1957 and dropping by 1962. Conversely, Modi’s vote share for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has remained robust. In 2014, the NDA secured 38.5% of the votes with the BJP alone garnering 31.3%. By 2019, these numbers rose to 44.9% and 37.7%, respectively. In the latest election, the NDA received 43.82% of votes, and the BJP, 36.6%. The seat count for the NDA decreased from 353 in 2019 to 293 in 2024, but Modi’s consistent vote share marks a significant achievement.
An Unprecedented International Record
Modi’s third consecutive victory is remarkable on the global stage. He is the only leader in the broader democratic world post-World War II to win a third consecutive term with a consistent vote share. This achievement stands out even when compared to leaders from established democracies in Western Europe, Japan, North America, South America, South Africa, Israel, and South Korea.
Global Comparisons
There are few leaders globally who have won three or more consecutive elections post-World War II. Franklin D. Roosevelt won four consecutive U.S. presidential elections before the war. In Canada, Pierre Trudeau won three consecutive elections but did not complete his second term. His son, Justin Trudeau, has also won three times but faced similar challenges.
Japan’s Shinzo Abe won three elections, but none of his governments completed their full term. In Britain, both Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair won three times but saw their vote percentages decline, and their governments did not complete full terms. Sweden’s Tage Erlander won seven elections, with fluctuating support, and Norway’s Jens Stoltenberg won three but faced similar declines in vote share.
The Exceptional Case of Modi
Narendra Modi’s victory is unparalleled. His consistent vote share and ability to complete each term set him apart. This is a testament to India’s robust democracy and transparent electoral process, showcasing the country’s commitment to fair governance. Modi’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of India’s strong democratic principles, standing as an example on the global stage.
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