New Delhi: The bureaucracy is working in full swing with the General Elections coming to an end and the next Government likely to be sworn in on Sunday. In a fast-paced political developments after the results were announced on June 4, Narendra Modi was unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on June 5 following the coalition's victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The NDA secured 293 seats, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alone winning 240 seats. This victory paves the way for Modi to assume the Prime Minister’s Office for a third consecutive term.
The oath-taking ceremony is likely to be held on 9 June, when Modi and his new Cabinet are expected to be sworn in. The announcement follows a meeting chaired by Modi, where NDA members expressed their support for his continued leadership. The alliance partners praised Modi for his "leadership" and "the strides our nation has made under him," acknowledging his vision for a 'Viksit Bharat' and commitment to nation-building.
NDA leaders, including senior figures from the BJP and its allies, are set to meet President Droupadi Murmu to formally stake claim to form the government. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Chandrababu Naidu and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar, whose combined 28 seats are crucial for the NDA's majority, will accompany Modi during this delegation.
Naidu's TDP secured 16 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh, while Kumar's JD(U) won 12 seats in Bihar. Speculation had arisen that the opposition INDIA bloc, which finished with 232 seats, might attempt to court Naidu and Kumar. However, the BJP has obtained written letters of support from both leaders, reinforcing their commitment to the NDA.
During his victory speech at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, Modi acknowledged the importance of the TDP and JD(U) leaders, expressing gratitude for their support. The INDIA bloc, led by Congress, which achieved its best performance since 2009 with 99 seats, remains 40 seats short of the majority mark and is exploring its options.
In preparation for the new government, Modi met with President Murmu to resign ahead of the dissolution of the current government on 16 June. He has been asked to continue until the new government is appointed. Addressing the final cabinet meeting of his second term, Modi emphasised that "winning and losing are part of politics," and assured continued dedication to the country's development.
As he addressed supporters in Delhi, Modi stated, "The people of India have placed their faith in the NDA for a third time. I bow to the people for this affection and assure them we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling aspirations."
Meanwhile many bureaucrats said that the pace of reforms and governance style, typical of PM Modi, shall continue as usual. PM Modi is known for his hands-on approach to governance and even before the elections results were out, he had held a meeting with top bureaucrats to discuss the cyclone Remal on June 2.
In the meeting the PM was briefed about the impact of the cyclone on the affected states during the meeting. The loss of human lives and damage to houses and properties due to landslides and floods in Mizoram, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura was also discussed. NDRF teams have been deployed as per the needs. The teams have carried out evacuation, airlifting and road clearance operations. During the meeting, it was mentioned that the Ministry of Home Affairs is in regular touch with the State Governments.
The PM had said that the Government of India will continue to extend full support to the State affected by cyclone. The PM also instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs to monitor the situation and review the matter regularly to extend necessary assistance for restoration.
The Principal Secretary to PM, Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, DG NDRF and Member Secretary, NDMA alongwith other senior officials from PMO and concerned Ministries were also present in the meeting.
/BI
