In a historic ceremony in New Delhi, India’s President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Narendra Modi, who has now become the prime minister of India for a third consecutive term. At 73 years old, Modi joins Jawaharlal Nehru as the only prime ministers to win three terms since India gained independence in 1947.
The event was attended by heads of state from almost all of India’s neighboring countries, highlighting the significance of Modi’s leadership in the region. However, the absence of Pakistan’s leader was notable, as tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations have been high in recent years.
Security was tight at the venue, with a multi-layered security blanket and thousands of police and paramilitaries deployed in the capital. A no-fly zone was enforced, and various restrictions were put in place to ensure the safety of the event.
Unlike his first two terms, Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not secure a majority in the latest elections. As a result, Modi’s government will now rely on smaller regional parties to form a stable ruling coalition for the next five years.
This victory for Modi marks a significant change in the political landscape of India. In 2014, he won a landslide victory and enjoyed overwhelming support with 303 seats in parliament. However, this time around, his party fell short by 32 seats, securing 240 seats in total. To reach the crucial halfway mark of 272 seats in parliament, Modi’s BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will need the support of several smaller parties.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from Andhra Pradesh and the Janata Dal United (JDU) party from Bihar hold the key to the stability of Modi’s government. These smaller allies are likely to demand concessions in exchange for their support.
Modi’s dominance as a strong Hindu leader has been challenged in this election, particularly in rural areas. The BJP’s performance in the state of Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 seats, declined significantly compared to the previous election. This indicates that Modi’s appeal to the Hindu majority, which makes up around 80% of the population, may be waning.
During the election campaign, Modi employed strident anti-Muslim rhetoric, but his message did not resonate as strongly with voters as it did in the past. The opposition, led by the Congress party, focused on issues such as unemployment, inflation, the cost of living, farmers’ struggles, and rural distress.
Despite India’s economic growth during Modi’s tenure, with the country surpassing the UK to become the fifth-largest economy in the world, challenges remain. The GDP per capita in India is still low, ranking 136th globally, and unemployment rates are high. Inequality is also a pressing issue, with the top 1% of the population controlling 40% of the nation’s wealth.
As Modi begins his third term, he faces a more empowered opposition with appealing economic and social programs. To maintain public support, he will need to move away from divisive rhetoric and focus on preserving the liberal and secular values that India was founded upon.
The swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi for a third term as prime minister marks a significant moment in India’s political landscape. The challenges and opportunities ahead will shape the country’s future and the legacy of Modi’s leadership.
