Narendra Modi has been inaugurated as India’s prime minister for a third term in a grand ceremony held at the presidential palace in Delhi. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader pledged to serve all citizens impartially. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 293 seats in the recent general election, which was fewer than exit polls had predicted. The opposition saw a significant comeback, winning 234 seats.
The ceremony was attended by thousands, including leaders from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, though representatives from Pakistan and China were absent. Delhi was under tight security, with more than 2,500 police officers deployed and the area designated a no-fly zone.
During the swearing-in, conducted by President Draupadi Murmu, Modi committed to upholding India’s sovereignty and integrity and to governing faithfully according to the constitution. A new cabinet of ministers was also sworn in.
At 73, Modi is the second Indian leader to win three consecutive terms, following the country’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Although exit polls had forecast a decisive victory for the BJP, the party did not secure an outright majority. The NDA relied on alliances with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal (United) JD(U) to achieve the 272 seats required to form a government.
Modi was elected as the leader of the Lok Sabha, the BJP parliamentary party, and the NDA by the newly elected MPs. Indian media reports suggest that key allies may have negotiated for important ministerial positions in exchange for their support.
The opposition INDIA alliance, led by the Congress party, has described the election outcome as a mandate against Modi’s administration. Modi, however, refuted this, asserting that the BJP had not lost and would continue to strive for victory. He expressed gratitude to the voters and vowed to tackle corruption and poverty, prioritizing the empowerment of the poor and middle class.
Critics have accused Modi and the BJP of employing hate speech, targeting the Muslim minority, and imprisoning opposition figures during the campaign. Nonetheless, Modi emphasized the NDA’s commitment to the principle of religious equality, while the INDIA alliance pledged to hold the government accountable and safeguard the constitution.
