New Delhi, June 10, 2024 – Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi took oath today for a third consecutive term as the head of a coalition government. This remarkable event took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where Modi, 73, joined the ranks of Jawaharlal Nehru by securing a third term in office, echoing Nehru’s victories in the 1952, 1957, and 1962 general elections.
In the previous two tenures, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) enjoyed a majority on its own. However, this term marks a shift as Modi leads a coalition government. The ceremony was a grand affair, attended by political leaders, dignitaries, and international guests.
Following Modi’s oath, senior BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and Nitin Gadkari were among the 35 Cabinet Ministers who took their oaths. Additionally, 36 Ministers of State and five Ministers of State with independent charge also took the oath of office, completing the formation of the new government.
Modi’s third term is set against the backdrop of significant electoral success and ongoing challenges, with his administration’s focus likely to remain on economic development, national security, and social welfare programs. The swearing-in ceremony symbolizes a continuation of Modi’s vision for India, promising stability and continuity in governance as the country moves forward.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 286 seats in the latest general election, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning 240 seats. This result fell short of the 272 majority mark, a notable decline from the 303 seats won in 2019 and the 282 seats in 2014, where the BJP had a clear majority on its own.
The swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was attended by leaders of seven countries from South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, highlighting the event’s international significance. Alongside Modi, senior BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and Nitin Gadkari were among the 35 Cabinet Ministers who took their oaths. Additionally, 36 Ministers of State and five Ministers of State with independent charge were sworn in, completing the new government lineup.
Modi’s third term comes amidst challenges and opportunities, with a coalition government set to navigate the political landscape. The administration is expected to focus on economic growth, national security, and social welfare programs, continuing Modi’s vision for India’s development. The presence of international dignitaries underscores India’s growing regional influence and the global interest in its political stability.