In a fervent speech following his unprecedented third-term victory as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi launched a scathing critique of the Congress party, pointing out its continued inability to surpass the 100-seat mark in the recent elections. Despite the BJP itself falling short of its seat target, Modi lauded the NDA alliance as the most successful coalition in the nation’s political landscape, emphasizing the enduring trust placed in it by the electorate.
Modi, who is set to be sworn in for his third consecutive term, highlighted the dominance of the NDA coalition. Although the BJP secured only 240 seats, well below its anticipated 370-seat target, Modi praised the alliance’s strength. He remarked, “Even after 10 years, Congress could not touch the figure of 100 seats,” underscoring the BJP’s cumulative seat count across the 2014, 2019, and 2024 elections, which he used to illustrate the opposition’s waning influence.
The Congress, which leads the INDIA opposition bloc, achieved its best result in 15 years with 99 wins out of the 328 seats it contested. Modi’s remarks hinted at a possible shift in dynamics should Vishal Patil, a rebel candidate from Maharashtra, realign with Congress, potentially pushing them past the symbolic 100-seat threshold.
In a strategic move, Modi extended an olive branch to his coalition partners, advocating for governance through consensus and coalition politics. He acknowledged the BJP’s reliance on key allies, particularly Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP and Nitish Kumar’s JDU, emphasizing the trust vested in the NDA. “The mandate of 2024 reaffirms the country’s trust in the NDA,” Modi declared, signaling a renewed commitment to inclusive governance.
As speculation mounts regarding potential alliances and power-sharing arrangements, the BJP remains poised to form the government, bolstered by the support of its key allies. Despite setbacks in pivotal states, the party’s strategic partnerships ensure its continued dominance on the national stage.
In the coming days, as negotiations unfold and ministerial positions are allocated, the intricate dance of coalition politics will shape the contours of governance in the world’s largest democracy. Modi’s third inauguration ceremony, scheduled for Sunday evening, symbolizes not only his personal triumph but also the resilience of the NDA coalition in an ever-evolving political landscape. As the nation awaits the formation of the new government, the stage is set for a period of intense negotiations and strategic maneuvering, where alliances will be forged and destinies shaped.