Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially secured his third term today, Friday, after he was able to form a coalition that would secure him a majority in Parliament following the recent general elections.
Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party has ruled alone for the past decade, but this time it was unable to repeat the landslide victory it had achieved twice.
The BJP engaged in talks that ensured it secured the parliamentary majority it needed to govern.
Modi presented signed letters of support confirming that he had a majority to President Draupadi Murmu, who in turn invited him to form the next government.
Modi said on Friday, “I thank the people who gave the government a third opportunity to serve them.”
He added, “This is an opportunity and the desire of the people, and I thank them with all my heart for this opportunity.”
Earlier, Modi delivered a speech in Parliament to about 300 MPs who make up his coalition and thanked them for their unanimous support for his leadership.
The meeting was considered a mere formality after the leader of each party confirmed its support for Modi earlier this week.
But it was an opportunity to express reconciliation between Modi and his new partners in the government.
Chandrababu Naidu, leader of the largest party in the prime minister’s coalition, said, “Modi has vision and enthusiasm and his implementation is exemplary. He is implementing all his policies with sincerity.”
“India today has the right leader at the right time – Narendra Modi,” he added.
Other party leaders adorned Modi with a purple wreath while Nitish Kumar, one of his most prominent supporters, bent down to touch the 73-year-old prime minister’s feet in a traditional expression of respect.
– Concessions
The alliance will control 293 seats in the Indian People’s Assembly, with a total of 543.
While it is not yet known what concessions Modi’s allies have requested in exchange for their support for him, media reports said this week that several parties are seeking specific ministerial portfolios.
The Indian Express newspaper reported on Friday that the Tilo Go Desam Party from the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, which has 16 seats, will push to revive plans to build a new legislative capital for the state.
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