PM Modi Set to Take Oath for Third Term Amid Hectic Parleys Over Cabinet Berths

PM Modi Set to Take Oath for Third Term Amid High Security Arrangements
Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi is set to take oath on Sunday for a third straight term, equaling the feat of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, amid hectic parleys involving BJP leadership and allies over the share of berths of different constituents of the National Democratic Alliance in the new government.
Security Measures in Place
Delhi has been put on high alert for the swearing-in ceremony, with a multi-layered security arrangement in place. Commandos from Delhi Police’s SWAT and NSG will be deployed around the President’s house and various strategic locations. The Rashtrapati Bhawan will have a three-layered security both inside and outside the premises. Drones, para-gliders, and other aerial platforms have been banned over the jurisdiction of the NCT of Delhi to thwart potential threats.
International Dignitaries to Attend
Leaders from several neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Mauritius, will be attending the swearing-in ceremony, aligning with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. The ceremony will be attended by around 9,000 guests, including international leaders.
Government Formation Talks
Senior BJP leaders, including Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, are consulting allies to finalise their share of representation in the government. Heavyweight portfolios like home, finance, defence, and external affairs are likely to be kept by the BJP, while its allies can get anywhere between five to eight cabinet berths.
Key Contenders for Cabinet Berths
Former chief ministers who have won the Lok Sabha polls, such as Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Basavaraj Bommai, Manohar Lal Khattar, and Sarbananda Sonowal, are strong contenders for joining the government. Allies like Ram Mohan Naidu of the TDP, Lalan Singh, Sanjay Jha, and Ram Nath Thakur of the JD(U), and Chirag Paswan of the Lok Janshakti Party, may also be accommodated in the new government.
Assembly Polls in Focus
Assembly polls in Maharashtra and Bihar are due in the near future, and these states may be in the focus during the government-formation exercise. The BJP is keen to send out a message of continuity and ward off any impression of political vulnerability following its surprising below-par show in the Lok Sabha polls.
Congress Response
Congress leaders have criticized the BJP’s performance in the Lok Sabha polls, with some calling for Rahul Gandhi to be made the Leader of the Opposition. The party’s parliamentary party will meet to elect its leader and discuss the election results.