By Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, June 05: In a significant meeting in Delhi, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously named Narendra Modi as their leader. This crucial assembly, attended by all NDA parties, highlighted the collective endorsement of Modi’s leadership as they gear up to form the new government.
Sources confirmed that all NDA leaders submitted letters of support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), indicating their unanimous backing of Modi. The meeting celebrated the election results, with leaders expressing satisfaction over the number of seats won.
The NDA, securing an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha elections with 292 seats, is ready to form the government. The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 240 seats, reinforcing its dominant position in Indian politics. Meanwhile, the Congress-led INDIA bloc proved to be a formidable opposition, winning 234 seats.
Sources indicated that the NDA plans to stake its claim for forming the government on Friday. NDA leaders emphasized the complexity of government formation, highlighting the need for careful coordination.
On June 7, NDA MPs will convene to formally elect Narendra Modi as their leader, further solidifying his leadership ahead of the formal claim. In a significant move, the TDP unequivocally endorsed Modi’s leadership, quelling any speculation about alternative leadership within the NDA.
“It does take time for government formation, and we have decided to stake our claim on Friday,” said an NDA leader, stressing the importance of thorough preparation. These meetings and endorsements underscore the unity within the NDA as it prepares to establish the new government.
Following the NDA MPs’ meeting on June 7, Modi will meet President Droupadi Murmu. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President JP Nadda will discuss government formation with the allies, sources said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, “Congratulations to PM Modi on being unanimously elected as the leader of the NDA. The last 10 years stand out as an era of large-scale development and welfare under the visionary leadership of Modi Ji. The NDA is firmly committed to serving the nation and its people with renewed strength and momentum.”
In related developments, President Droupadi Murmu dissolved the 17th Lok Sabha on Wednesday, following the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet. The Cabinet recommended the immediate dissolution of the current Lok Sabha, a decision subsequently accepted by the President who signed the order.
“The President has accepted the advice of the Cabinet on June 5, 2024, and signed the order dissolving the 17th Lok Sabha, in exercise of the powers conferred upon her by Sub-clause (b) of Clause (2) of Article 85 of the Constitution,” stated the official communiqué from Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Sources indicate that the swearing-in ceremony for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term is expected to take place on the evening of June 8 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. During this ceremony, new cabinet members will also be sworn in, marking the official start of the new government.
The meeting at Prime Minister Modi’s residence focused on strategies for forming the new government and setting the agenda for the upcoming administration. Insiders report that NDA allies are actively seeking prominent portfolios in the new cabinet. (KNS)
