New Delhi, June 10, 2024 – India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was inaugurated on Sunday for a third term following an election that fell short of expectations for his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The results have left Modi dependent on coalition partners within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to maintain governance.
Modi, leading the BJP with a strong Hindu-nationalist agenda, was compelled to engage in swift negotiations with the 15-member NDA coalition, securing the necessary parliamentary majority. His office has announced a 71-member cabinet, which includes 11 ministers from NDA allies.
In a ceremony marked by significant political presence and fanfare, Modi pledged his commitment to the Indian Constitution, surrounded by top BJP officials and coalition party leaders. The new cabinet is anticipated to be smaller than the previous one, reflecting the current political dynamics.
Dignitaries from South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, attended the swearing-in ceremony. However, representatives from China and Pakistan were notably absent. The audience also featured prominent BJP supporters, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, and influential business magnates Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani.
Attention is now focused on the impending announcement of Modi’s cabinet, as the list of lawmakers who took the oath signals the structure of the new government. Larger coalition parties have negotiated significant concessions in return for their support. Notably, Ram Mohan Naidu of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the largest BJP ally with 16 seats, secured four cabinet positions. Rajiv Ranjan Singh of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), with 12 seats, reportedly acquired two ministerial posts.
Despite the coalition dynamics, Indian media reports indicate that key portfolios such as the interior, foreign, finance, and defense ministries will remain under BJP control. The Hindustan Times highlighted intense negotiations over recent days, while the Times of India reported on efforts by the BJP to limit their partners’ demands.
The previous cabinet under Modi comprised 81 ministers. Analysts suggest that the new coalition will shift parliamentary politics, necessitating a more collaborative approach from the BJP.
Sajjan Kumar, head of the Delhi-based political research group PRACCIS, noted, “The coalition will now force the BJP to engage in more consultation.” Political analyst Zoya Hasan of Jawaharlal Nehru University cautioned that Modi could face significant challenges from adept coalition leaders such as TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu and JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar.
As Modi embarks on his third term, the evolving political landscape will test his ability to balance coalition demands with his party’s agenda, setting the stage for a dynamic period in Indian politics.