News Desk
Narendra Modi has been inaugurated as India’s prime minister for a third consecutive term in a grand ceremony at the presidential palace in Delhi. The leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took his oath, pledging to
“do right to all manner of people without affection or ill-will.”
This marks a significant milestone for Modi, making him only the second Indian leader to win three consecutive terms after Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister.
Modi’s BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 293 seats in the recent general election, falling short of the predicted landslide victory indicated by exit polls. The election also saw a notable resurgence of India’s opposition, which won 234 seats, signaling a more competitive political landscape.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by thousands of guests, including the heads of state from neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Notably absent were representatives from Pakistan and China. Tight security measures were implemented in Delhi, with the area declared a no-fly zone and more than 2,500 police officers deployed around the venue.
During the ceremony, President Draupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Modi, who reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India and to govern with “true faith and allegiance to the constitution.” A council of ministers for Modi’s new cabinet was also sworn in.
Despite the BJP losing its parliamentary majority, the NDA managed to cross the 272-seat threshold needed to form the government with the support of key allies, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal (United) JD(U). It remains unclear what concessions these allies may have negotiated in return for their support, though Indian media suggest they are seeking significant ministerial posts.
The opposition INDIA alliance, led by the Congress party, has framed the election results as a mandate against Modi’s government. However, Modi countered this narrative, asserting that “Opposition tried to paint 2024 Lok Sabha results as a loss for us. But we didn’t lose, we never lost, we will never lose.”
Modi expressed gratitude to voters for their support and emphasized his commitment to eradicating corruption and poverty. “Empowering the poor and middle class is our priority,” he stated. During his campaign, Modi and his party faced criticism for allegedly using hate speech, targeting the Muslim minority, and imprisoning opposition figures. In response, Modi reiterated the NDA alliance’s commitment to the principle of “sarva panth sambhava” (religious equality).
The INDIA alliance has vowed to hold the government accountable and protect the constitution, highlighting the continued political challenges Modi may face in his third term.
