India : In a significant move, a day after the announcement of Lok Sabha poll results, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recommended the dissolution of the 17th Lok Sabha, which is scheduled to end its term on June 16. Sources indicate that with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal-United (JDU), seen as potential “kingmakers,” giving their approval, the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony are expected to occur on June 8. Both parties are anticipated to formally pledge their support to the BJP during an upcoming alliance meeting.
The recently concluded Lok Sabha elections saw the Election Commission of India declaring results for 542 of the 543 constituencies, with the BJP securing 240 seats and the Congress clinching 99. Notably, the BJP’s victory count fell significantly from its 2019 tally of 303 seats and the 282 seats it won in 2014. Conversely, the Congress witnessed a notable surge, securing 99 seats compared to its 52-seat win in 2019 and 44 seats in 2014. The INDIA bloc surpassed the 230-seat mark, presenting formidable competition and defying earlier exit poll predictions.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi clinched a third term, the BJP will need to rely on support from other parties within its coalition, notably JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar and TDP’s chief Chandrababu Naidu. Falling short of the 272-majority mark by 32 seats, this marks the first time since the BJP’s 2014 ascension to power that it has not secured a majority on its own.
