Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in for his third consecutive term on Sunday, matching Jawaharlal Nehru’s record of leading the Congress party to victories in 1951-52, 1957, and 1962 national elections. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured three consecutive wins in the parliamentary elections — 2014, 2019, and 2024. Narendra Modi’s elevation from a four-term chief minister to the prime ministerial position came on the back of a nationwide groundswell in his party’s favor in 2014. The BJP won 282 seats, and the NDA secured over 300 berths in the 543-member Lok Sabha. In 2019, their strength increased further with the BJP and NDA winning more than 300 and 350 seats, respectively, in the House.
Seasoned Leadership: Seven Former Chief Ministers Join New NDA Government
Narendra Modi‘s political journey has been remarkable, marked by his rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of India’s most influential leaders. Beginning as a RSS pracharak, he entered mainstream politics in 1987 when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Modi quickly rose through the ranks, serving in various organizational roles within the party. His leadership qualities and administrative acumen came to the fore during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, where he implemented several developmental initiatives and earned the reputation of being a decisive leader. In 2014, Modi led the BJP to a historic victory in the Lok Sabha elections, securing a majority on its own. He assumed office as the 14th Prime Minister of India, focusing on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and enhancing India’s global standing. Modi’s second term, beginning in 2019, has seen continued emphasis on initiatives like ‘Make in India’, ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, and ‘Digital India’, along with key policy reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout his tenure, Modi’s leadership has been characterized by a blend of charisma, innovation, and a strong nationalist agenda, shaping India’s political landscape and leaving a lasting impact on its trajectory.
In 2006, he assumed the role of Chief Minister of the state from February 4, 2006, to October 9, 2007, after forming an alliance with the BJP. During his tenure, he introduced the “Grama Vastavaya” initiative, earning him the title of People’s CM. In September 2007, amidst a power-sharing agreement, he initially announced his resignation but later declined to transfer power to the BJP. Eventually, he resigned and handed over power to the BJP for a brief period, only to withdraw support later, leading to the imposition of President’s rule in the state.
Jitan Ram Manjhi, the former Chief Minister of Bihar, made significant contributions to Bihar’s political landscape during his tenure. As the leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Manjhi served as Bihar’s Chief Minister from 2014 to 2015. He notably became the first Chief Minister from the state’s Musahar community. Having been an MLA since 1980, Manjhi also held the position of Lok Sabha MP from Bihar’s Gaya constituency. Throughout his political career, Manjhi has been associated with various parties, including the Janata Dal (United) led by his close ally Nitish Kumar. He initially entered politics in 1980 as a candidate for the Congress party, serving in three consecutive cabinets under Congress chief ministers in Bihar until 1990. Following that, he joined Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) before becoming a minister in the RJD state government from 1996 to 2005. Eventually, he aligned with Nitish Kumar’s JD(U). In 2021, Manjhi sparked controversy by using derogatory language against Brahmins, leading to backlash from the influential community. One member even offered a reward of ₹11 lakh for anyone who would cut off his tongue. Despite the controversies, Manjhi emerged victorious in the Gaya constituency during the 2024 general elections.
Sarbananda Sonowal, the former Chief Minister of Assam, played a crucial role in bolstering the BJP’s presence in the Northeast and prioritized infrastructural development during his tenure. Sonowal, who held portfolios such as Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, as well as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) in the previous administration, is known to share a close bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His reputation for integrity, effective communication skills, and popularity among the masses in Assam earned him another ministerial role at the Centre for the third time. Sonowal served as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports in the initial Modi government from 2014 to 2016. He then resigned to lead the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition government in Assam.
These leaders have left indelible marks on their states’ political and social fabric, with their parties striving to uphold their legacies in current governance.
