Summary: Narendra Modi, on the brink of his third term as Prime Minister, took aim at the Congress party for its lackluster performance in the recent elections, despite the BJP’s own diminished seat count. Modi highlighted the BJP’s alliance with Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP and Nitish Kumar’s JDU, which propelled them past the majority mark. While the Congress secured 99 seats, its best performance in 15 years, Modi criticized their failure to cross the 100-seat mark. However, the possibility of reaching 100 seats remains if a rebel MP rejoins the party. Modi stressed the importance of consensus and coalition politics, acknowledging the role of allies in governance, a shift from the BJP’s previous majority rule. The emergence of key players like the TDP and JDU underscores the BJP’s reliance on coalition support as it enters its third term under Modi’s leadership.

New Delhi – As Narendra Modi prepares to be sworn in for his third term as Prime Minister, he has taken a sharp jab at the Congress party for its underwhelming performance in the recent elections. Despite the BJP itself winning 240 seats, its lowest tally in 15 years, it was bolstered past the 272-seat majority mark by alliances with Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP and Nitish Kumar’s JDU.

“Even after 10 years Congress could not touch the figure of 100 seats,” Mr. Modi declared. “If we combine the 2014, 2019, and 2024 elections… Congress did not even get as many seats as BJP got in this election.” He further added, “I can clearly see people of INDI Alliance (the BJP’s jibe at the INDIA bloc) were sinking slowly earlier… now they are going to sink at a faster pace.”

The Congress, leading the INDIA opposition bloc, managed to secure 99 seats from the 328 it contested. This was the party’s best performance in 15 years, following dismal showings of 44 seats in 2014 and 52 in 2019. The last time Congress crossed the 100-seat mark was in 2009 with 206 seats, enabling former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to lead the United Progressive Alliance to a second term.

However, Modi’s remarks might be premature as Congress could potentially reach the 100-seat mark if Vishal Patil, a party rebel who won from Maharashtra’s Sangli, re-joins the party. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge hinted at this possibility, stating on X, “Welcoming the support of elected MP from Sangli, Shri Vishal Patil to the Congress party.”

In his speech, Modi not only criticized the opposition but also emphasized the importance of governance by consensus and coalition politics. “Our alliance reflects the spirit of India and we are dedicated to upholding constitutional values. NDA is the most successful…” he stated. He also acknowledged the crucial role of allies in his government’s formation, a shift from the BJP’s previous majorities in 2014 and 2019.

“When I was speaking in this House in 2019 you chose me as the leader. Then I emphasised one thing… trust. Today, when you are giving me this role again, it means the bridge of trust between us is strong. This relationship is built on a strong foundation… and that is its biggest asset,” Modi said.

The TDP and JDU, securing 28 seats collectively, have emerged as key players, highlighting the BJP’s current need for coalition support. This collaboration underscores a new political dynamic as the BJP navigates through its third term under Modi’s leadership.