Prez appoints Modi as PM-designate, oath ceremony on Sunday evening – Daily Excelsior
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has extended an invitation to Narendra Modi, leader of the BJP’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA), to form the next government. This follows the coalition’s success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Modi, along with his new cabinet, will take the oath of office at 6 pm on Sunday.
A statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan confirmed that President Murmu, based on letters of support, is satisfied that the BJP-led NDA has the majority in the 18th Lok Sabha to form a stable government. Consequently, Narendra Modi has been appointed as Prime Minister of India.
Historic Third Term
Modi’s upcoming term marks him as the first three-term Prime Minister since Congress leader Jawaharlal Nehru. Addressing the media post his meeting with the President, Modi stated, “This morning all NDA allies chose me as the leader and informed the President. She then appointed me PM-designate. I told her Sunday evening will be convenient for the oath-taking ceremony.”
Expressing gratitude to the voters, Modi said, “NDA, for the third time, has been given a chance to serve the nation. I want to thank the people for this opportunity and assure them that the pace of development from the last two terms will continue with the same dedication.”
Youthful Energy of the 18th Lok Sabha
Modi likened the new Lok Sabha to a teenager, full of “youthful energy and zeal to do something,” calling it the first “azadi ka amrit mahotsav” election. Earlier today, Modi, 73, was officially named the leader of the NDA’s newly-elected MPs, with his nomination proposed by Rajnath Singh and unanimously supported by all member parties.
In his address, Modi highlighted the importance of coalition politics, stating, “Our alliance reflects the spirit of India and we are dedicated to upholding constitutional values. NDA is the most successful…”
BJP’s Coalition Dynamics
The BJP won 240 seats in the recent elections, falling 32 short of the majority mark. However, with the support of 53 MPs from NDA members, the party will retain power, granting Modi a third term as Prime Minister. Key allies, including Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP with 16 MPs and Nitish Kumar’s JDU with 12 MPs, are crucial to the BJP’s majority. Without these 28 seats, the BJP’s count would drop to 265.
Negotiations are underway between the BJP and its allies, with TDP and JDU vying for significant ministerial positions and, in TDP’s case, the Lok Sabha Speaker’s chair. Sources indicate the JDU is pushing for at least two cabinet posts, a junior minister’s role, and a common minimum program in exchange for their support.
INDIA Bloc’s Strong Performance
Despite the BJP’s win, the opposition INDIA bloc mounted a robust challenge, defying exit poll predictions. The bloc secured 232 seats, including impressive performances by the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, the Trinamool in Bengal, and the DMK in Tamil Nadu. The Congress, with 99 wins, achieved its best result in 15 years.
Speculation arose about possible overtures to Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu by the Congress, but these rumors have been downplayed. Modi, in his victory speech, took several swipes at the opposition, emphasizing the BJP’s continued dominance and the NDA’s unity.
The focus now shifts to Sunday, when Modi and his cabinet will officially take office, ushering in his historic third term as Prime Minister.
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