NDA Elects Narendra Modi as Prime Minister

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has elected Narendra Modi as Prime Minister, and the BJP-led NDA alliance convened a meeting of its newly elected MPs in New Delhi. The NDA, led by PM Modi, secured a historic third term in power with over 290 seats in the 543-member parliament, while the INDIA bloc of opposition parties settled at a final tally of 232. Although the BJP fell short of the majority mark, winning 241 seats, the formation of its government relies on NDA partners. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] added 16 and 12 seats, respectively, to the coalition tally. Other NDA members include the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction), Rashtriya Lok Janashakthi Party (Pashupati Kumar Paras faction), AIADMK, Apna Dal, National People’s Party, and Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Modi took the oath for his third consecutive term, making history as the only leader after former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to be elected for three successive terms after completing the full tenure of each previous term. The swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan was attended by dignitaries from neighbouring countries, including Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay, Bangladesh’s PM Sheikh Hasina, Maldives’ President Mohammad Muizzu, Mauritius’ PM Pravind Jugnauth, Nepal’s PM P.K. Dahal Prachanda, Seychelles’ Vice President Ahmed Afif, and Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Comparison of Past and Future Modi Government (2024)

In the 2019 Indian general election, the BJP-led NDA won 353 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, with the BJP securing 303 seats and the NDA securing around 353 overall. The BJP won 37.76% of the votes, while the NDA’s combined vote share was 45% of the 603.7 million votes polled. Key states where the BJP had a significant majority included Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Haryana. The NDA solidified alliances with key partners like the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, JD(U) in Bihar, and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, leading to a cohesive campaign centred on PM Modi’s leadership.

In contrast, the Indian National Congress (INC) and its allies, part of the United Progressive Alliance, won 91 seats in 2019, with the INC securing 52 seats. For the 2024 general election, the NDA won 292 seats, while the BJP won 241 seats. Despite falling short of an outright majority, other parties like TDP and JD(U) have shown their support, allowing the BJP to form an NDA government.

The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), an opposition front announced by leaders of 28 parties, won 233 seats, including leads. Key schemes launched by the Modi government include the PM-KISAN Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Pension Yojana, Mega Pension Scheme, New Jal Shakti Ministry, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Skill India Mission, and Make in India. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to welfare, economic growth, and infrastructure development. The new Modi government aims to focus on national security, economic growth, and infrastructure development, with plans to increase defence production and exports and expand green industrialization.

Challenges for the Modi Government

The new government must address economic challenges, particularly unemployment and inflation. The unemployment rate in India rose to 8.1% in April from 7.4% in March, according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy. Job creation, especially for young people and in the unorganized sector, must be a priority. The coalition government might struggle with decisive policymaking, particularly in implementing long-awaited economic reforms. Mr Modi’s agenda, including labour reforms and industrial policy revamps, could face delays and alterations as coalition partners assert their priorities.

India’s rising world stature and assertive foreign policy have been highlighted as major achievements by Modi’s administration. However, diplomatic strains with China remain a significant challenge, exacerbated by a 2020 border clash that left 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead. Analysts suggest that Modi’s weaker performance might hinder bold reforms in labour and land use, necessary for India to become a manufacturing powerhouse and attract more investment away from China.

Stagnant farm income is another major issue, leading to widespread protests. The BJP had promised to double farm income by 2022 but failed to achieve this goal. Despite setting a new target to lift rural per-capita income by 50% by 2030, farmers remain sceptical. Food inflation has exceeded 8% year-on-year since November 2023. The Reserve Bank of India projects headline inflation at 4.5% for the current year, with an economic growth outlook of 7.2%. Modi has banned the export of wheat and rice to contain domestic inflation.

Features of the New Modi Government

PM Modi has emphasized that in the next ten years, good governance, growth, and quality of life will be key focuses of the government. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has reiterated the aim to promote economic growth and make India a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Viksit Bharat project is a nationwide awareness campaign highlighting India’s achievements, commitments, and aspirations, aiming to bridge the gap between urban and rural populations.

Reviewing the 100-day agenda vision, Nitin Gadkari emphasized the government’s commitment to road safety, highway network expansion, and bolstering electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. In the defence sector, reforms in the Defence Research and Development Organisation and defence deals with friendly foreign countries under the ‘Make in India’ initiative are planned. The Ministry of Home Affairs is likely to focus on the successful completion of assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

The manifesto titled “Modi Ki Guarantee” focuses on continuing current welfare schemes and reiterates the BJP’s commitment to one-nation-one-election and the Uniform Civil Code, which were outlined in the 2019 manifesto. Ensuring clean drinking water and implementing the Har Ghar Nal se Jal initiative for households in villages, towns, and cities are key goals. Under Modi, the government launched ambitious projects like the $9.5 billion PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to install rooftop solar systems across 10 million households. Modi’s agenda to leverage new-age technology for economic growth is evident from the significant push towards the semiconductor industry, encouraging manufacturers to set up plants in India.

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