INDIA’S MODI SWORN IN AS PRIME MINISTER FOR THIRD TERM
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After less-than-expected election results left him dependent on coalition partners for government, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath of office on Sunday for a third term.
During a ceremony to officially mark his takeover of power, Modi pledged to “bear true allegiance to the constitution of India,” surrounded by leaders of his coalition and representatives of his Hindu-nationalist party.
Despite dominating for the last ten years, Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was unable to duplicate its two resounding victories this time, which surprised pundits and exit polls.
Instead, in order to secure the 15-member National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition and the necessary legislative majority, he had to engage in hurried negotiations.
When he took the oath, a military brass band played, and honour guards lined the presidential palace stairs.
The queue of parliamentarians taking the oath of office was also closely followed for a clue as to who would be in government, but Modi has not yet announced his new cabinet.
Top BJP aides Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and Nitin Gadkari—the defence, interior, and transport ministers in his last cabinet, respectively—followed Modi right away.
Bigger coalition parties have made significant demands in return for their backing.
In a piece posted on his website on Sunday, prior to the ceremony, Modi called the past few days “very busy,” adding that he was “in the midst of preparations for government formation.”
President Droupadi Murmu swore in various ministers and deputy ministers, including Modi, who was the first to take the oath of office in a glittering white kurta flowing shirt and trousers. The event drew thousands of spectators.
In attendance were fervent BJP supporters, South Asian dignitaries, Bollywood heavyweights like the legendary Shahrukh Khan, and billionaire businessmen Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, two of Modi’s most important allies.
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