Indian PM Modi Retains Power in Narrow Election Victory

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a third straight term in office, though with a slimmer majority than expected, following the country’s recent general election.

The BJP-led NDA won 293 seats in the 543-member lower house of parliament, just surpassing the 272 seats needed to form a government. This was a narrower victory compared to 2019 when the alliance won over 350 seats.

The opposition ‘INDIA’ bloc, led by the centrist Congress party, put up a stronger-than-forecast performance, securing 230 seats.

Despite the reduced majority, analysts expect policy continuity under Modi’s leadership, with a focus on infrastructure investment, business-friendly reforms, and gradual fiscal consolidation. However, the prime minister may face more challenges in pushing his agenda, having to rely more on support from regional allies.

The INDIA alliance has vowed to continue fighting against the “fascist rule of the BJP” and the Modi government. The swearing-in ceremony for the new administration is expected to take place over the upcoming weekend.