Narendra Modi began his third term as India’s prime minister, matching Jawaharlal Nehru’s record. Unlike previous terms, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not secure a majority.
They needed support from regional allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to form the government.
Modi expressed his commitment to serving 1.4 billion Indians on X (formerly Twitter). The ceremony at the Presidential Palace featured 71 ministers, including 11 allies.
This term marks a significant shift for Modi, who led the BJP to landslide victories in 2014 and 2019. In the recent elections, the BJP won 240 out of 543 seats, short of the 272 needed for a majority.
The NDA collectively secured 293 seats, while the India alliance, led by Congress, doubled its seat count to 232. This resulted in Modi’s first coalition government.
Modi emphasized unanimity in governance. Analysts predict challenges in building consensus due to varying interests within the coalition.
Fiscal pressures may arise from increased demands for development funds from the NDA’s regional partners and higher welfare spending.
Joblessness, high prices, and low incomes influenced voter sentiment against the BJP.
Critics highlighted rising joblessness, farmers’ distress, and soaring food prices as factors contributing to the BJP’s diminished majority.
Modi’s allies have pushed for key government positions and development funds, indicating potential political compromises.
This situation echoes challenges faced by the late BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose coalition government collapsed after losing an ally’s support.
Achievements and Challenges
Modi’s tenure has seen significant achievements, including economic growth and enhancing India’s global standing.
Under his leadership, India hosted the G20 summit and emerged as a voice for 125 developing countries.
However, domestic challenges remain, particularly in ensuring policy certainty and addressing economic concerns.
Modi rose from humble beginnings in Gujarat to India’s top office. He joined the BJP in the 1980s and served as Gujarat’s chief minister from 2001 to 2014.
His governance in Gujarat saw significant economic growth, though it was marred by the 2002 religious riots.
Modi’s administration is marked by his distinct leadership style, traditional attire, and modern communication strategies.
Despite avoiding news conferences, he engages the public through social media.
As Modi begins his third term, coalition politics will test his ability to navigate the complex political landscape and maintain policy momentum.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated AI newsroom. Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief. The Rio Times also runs Ask Rio Times, which answers from 100,000+ of our own articles, the daily Latin America Power Map, and prediction-market odds on elections and markets.. How we use AI · Report an error