Thu. Dec 5th, 2024

BJP and Congress Compete for Government Formation After Modi Falls Short of Majority

In the 2024 general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fallen short of a simple majority, securing 240 seats—32 seats short of the required 272 to form a government independently. The main opposition party, Indian National Congress, won 99 seats in the 543-member parliament.

With both national parties needing the support of smaller regional partners, leaders from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc are set to meet to discuss coalition possibilities. The NDA, comprising 39 parties, has collectively won 294 seats. Key NDA allies include the Telugu Desam Party (16 seats), Janata Dal (United) (12 seats), Shiv Sena (7 seats), and Lok Janshakti Party (5 seats).

Significant political figures like JDU Chief Nitish Kumar and TDP head N Chandrababu Naidu are scheduled to arrive in Delhi for discussions with BJP leaders. These talks will focus on coalition formation, ministerial positions, and setting the agenda for the next government. The NDA leaders will present their numbers to President Droupadi Murmu, who will invite them to form the government.

Despite the electoral setback, Prime Minister Modi remains committed to leading the NDA. National media have described the results as a message to Modi, with headlines like “India gives NDA third term, Modi a message” (Indian Express) and “Politwist: It’s a game on” (Hindustan Times)

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