New Delhi: On Wednesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously elected Narendra Modi as its leader, marking his third consecutive term as Prime Minister. Following the NDA’s majority victory in the Lok Sabha elections, senior NDA leaders convened at the Prime Minister’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.
PM Modi Elected Leader of the Parliamentary Party
During the meeting, all constituent parties expressed confidence in Modi’s leadership. They emphasized the NDA government’s commitment to serving marginalized citizens, including the poor, women, youth, farmers, and the deprived. The resolution passed unanimously hailed the NDA’s united effort to win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections under Modi’s guidance. It also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving living standards while preserving India’s heritage.
Leaders in Attendance
Prominent leaders attending the meeting included Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N. Chandrababu Naidu, Janata Dal (United) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena leader, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan. Other attendees comprised Jitan Ram Manjhi (Hindustani Awam Morcha), Pawan Kalyan (Jan Sena Party), Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare (NCP), Anupriya Patel (Apna Dal), Jayant Chaudhary (Rashtriya Lok Dal), Atul Bora (Assam Gana Parishad), Indra Hang Subba (Sikkim Krantikari Morcha), Sudesh Mahato (All Jharkhand Students Union), and Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Sanjay Jha (JD-U). From the BJP’s side, Prime Minister Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, Rajnath Singh, and Amit Shah attended the meeting.
Key Role in Government Formation
The TDP, JD (U), Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and LJP (Ram Vilas) hold crucial Lok Sabha seats (16, 12, 7, and 5, respectively) and will play pivotal roles in government formation. The resolution highlighted the NDA government’s successful policies, benefiting 140 crore Indians over the past decade. Notably, this marks the first time in nearly six decades that India has elected a strong leadership with a full majority for three consecutive terms.
Claiming Government Formation
Sources indicate that another NDA meeting will occur on June 7, during which they may present their claim to form the government to the President. While the swearing-in ceremony date remains unofficial, some alliance members believe it could happen by the weekend if the new government’s outline is ready. Parties like TDP and JD (U) may demand important departments, as their support is crucial for government formation and survival.
NDA’s Seat Tally
The NDA secured over 290 seats, crossing the magic figure of 272 required for a majority in the 543-member Lok Sabha. However, the BJP, for the first time since 2014, fell short of achieving an independent majority.
