The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), having secured 293 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, surpassing the majority mark of 272, is set to form the new government on Saturday. Narendra Modi will be sworn in as Prime Minister for a historic third consecutive term, sources informed NDTV on Wednesday.
Narendra Modi was unanimously selected as the leader of the alliance this afternoon, and he was commended for his “leadership” and the “strides our nation has made under him.” The NDA partners expressed their appreciation for his dedication to nation-building and his vision for ‘Viksit Bharat,’ reaffirming their commitment to this goal. They also praised his role in enhancing India’s global status.
Earlier today, NDA leaders convened at Modi’s residence to review the election results and discuss the formation of the government. Following this, a delegation of senior BJP figures and NDA partners planned to meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan to claim power.
This delegation was set to include Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Chandrababu Naidu and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar, whose combined 28 seats are crucial to maintaining the BJP’s coalition majority.
Naidu’s TDP won 16 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh (alongside a simultaneous Assembly election that saw his return as Chief Minister), and Kumar’s JDU secured 12 seats in Bihar.
There has been speculation that Naidu and Kumar might be approached by the opposition INDIA bloc, which finished with 232 seats (40 short of a majority) and is exploring a bid to form the government.
To counter this, the BJP has obtained written letters of support from both the TDP and JDU leaders.
Modi, aware of their significance to the NDA, specifically acknowledged Naidu and Kumar during his victory speech on Tuesday night at the party headquarters in Delhi.
As early as Tuesday evening, when it became apparent that the BJP would not form the government independently, sources indicated that Naidu and Kumar—seasoned leaders experienced in coalition politics—could be courted by Congress in an attempt to stake its own claim.
Although neither Naidu nor Kumar has publicly declared their intentions, sources have indicated that various demands, including special status for their states and key ministerial positions, are being negotiated.
On Tuesday, the INDIA bloc defied exit polls to pose a significant challenge to the BJP in a national election for the first time since the ‘Modi wave’ of 2014. The opposition alliance secured 232 seats, 40 short of the majority mark of 272.
INDIA leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, have remained discreet about reaching out to Naidu and Kumar, though the intent is reportedly there.
The Congress achieved its best performance since 2009, winning 99 seats. This is a notable improvement from 52 seats in 2019 (after which Rahul Gandhi resigned as president) and 44 seats in 2014.
Earlier, Modi met with President Murmu to resign in advance of the government’s dissolution on June 16. He was asked to continue in his role until a new government is formed.
On the same day, he chaired the final cabinet meeting of his second term and downplayed any concerns over the party’s performance, stating, “Winning and losing are part of politics… We have done good work for the last 10 years. We will continue doing so.”
Addressing a jubilant crowd at the party’s headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday night, Modi said the people of India had “placed their faith” in the NDA for a third time. “I bow to the people for this affection and assure them we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling aspirations.”