Narendra Modi is poised to make history by taking the oath of office for his third consecutive term as India’s Prime Minister, equaling a record held by Jawaharlal Nehru. This significant milestone reflects Modi’s enduring influence and the BJP’s dominance in Indian politics. The ceremony, scheduled for Sunday at 7:15 PM at Rashtrapati Bhavan, will be attended by dignitaries from neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Mauritius.
Anticipation Builds Around Modi’s New Cabinet
All eyes are on the composition of Modi’s new cabinet, which is expected to include key coalition allies such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)]. Senior BJP leaders Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and party president J P Nadda are actively negotiating with allies to finalize the ministerial lineup. Key portfolios like home, finance, defense, and external affairs are anticipated to remain with the BJP, while allies may secure five to eight cabinet positions.
Retaining Key Figures and Introducing New Faces
Reports suggest that Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh are likely to retain their ministerial roles. In addition, former Chief Ministers like Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Basavaraj Bommai, Manohar Lal Khattar, and Sarbananda Sonowal are strong contenders for cabinet positions. From the allied parties, notable figures expected to join the government include Ram Mohan Naidu (TDP), Lalan Singh, Sanjay Jha, and Ram Nath Thakur (JD(U)), and Chirag Paswan (Lok Janshakti Party).
Focus on Maharashtra and Bihar
The formation of the new government will likely focus on Maharashtra and Bihar, two crucial states. The BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance underperformed in Maharashtra, where assembly elections are slated for October. In Bihar, with elections scheduled for next year, the opposition shows signs of resurgence. These dynamics will significantly influence ministerial selections, alongside the recent extension of J P Nadda’s term as BJP president.
Opposition’s Skepticism and Predictions
The opposition, particularly the Congress party, has expressed doubts about the stability of the new government. During its working committee meeting, the Congress suggested the possibility of mid-term elections, with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel predicting the government’s collapse.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee echoed these sentiments, asserting that while the I.N.D.I.A. bloc did not immediately stake a claim to form the government, it remained a future possibility. She described the NDA government as “unstable and weak” and predicted that it wouldn’t last long due to its dependence on allies.
Looking Ahead
As Narendra Modi prepares to take the oath for his third term, the focus will be on how he manages coalition dynamics and addresses the challenges posed by the opposition. The new cabinet’s composition and the government’s ability to maintain stability will be critical in shaping India’s political landscape in the coming years.
