On June 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a crucial meeting with leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at his residence in New Delhi. Visuals from the meeting aimed to underscore the unity among NDA partners.

A noteworthy moment from the gathering was a candid interaction between PM Modi, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who were seated adjacent to him. This image of camaraderie gained significant attention, highlighting the strategic relationships within the alliance.

The Stakes of NDA’s Unity

The video showcasing all NDA members underscored the critical nature of the relationship between Prime Minister Modi and his key allies, Naidu and Kumar. With their combined 28 seats in the Lok Sabha, these two leaders hold substantial influence over the NDA’s prospects of forming the government. The BJP fell short of an outright majority, making the support of Naidu and Kumar pivotal. The close nature of the Lok Sabha elections has necessitated a robust coalition strategy for the NDA.

NDA’s Position and Prospects

Following the meeting at Prime Minister Modi’s residence, the NDA is poised to stake its claim to form the government for a third consecutive term. The alliance holds a precarious position, with just 11 seats above the majority mark, highlighting the importance of coalition politics. The NDA secured 283 seats, 60 more than the INDIA bloc’s 223, but still short of the 300-mark that would signal a more comfortable majority.

Key Attendees and Coalition Dynamics

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and TDP President Chandrababu Naidu were notable attendees at the NDA meeting. Their presence, alongside top BJP leaders and other allies, signified the importance of their support. Both leaders are expected to push for significant representation in the union ministry, potentially influencing policy directions. Political sources suggest they may also advocate for a shift away from Modi’s previous Hindu-Muslim rhetoric.

Transition and Historical Context

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu along with his Council of Ministers, as a procedural step. Modi is anticipated to be sworn in for a third consecutive term on June 8. This marks a historic moment, as Modi becomes the first Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to achieve three consecutive terms.

Election Outcomes and Opposition’s Response

The NDA’s performance in the elections reflected a strong challenge from the Opposition’s INDIA bloc. Despite the NDA’s lead, the INDIA bloc put up a robust fight, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi winning in both Wayanad and Rae Bareli, and PM Modi retaining his Varanasi seat, albeit with a reduced margin compared to 2019. Smriti Irani, who had famously defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019, lost her seat to Congress’s Kishori Lal Sharma.

INDIA Bloc’s Strategic Meetings

As the NDA leaders convened, the INDIA bloc also prepared for a strategic meeting at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence. NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar stated that there had been no discussions within the INDIA bloc about reaching out to the TDP or JD(U) for additional support. Despite this, the Congress leaders were actively engaging with smaller parties to bolster their numbers.

Final Tally and Implications

The final election results positioned the BJP and its allies with 283 seats, against the halfway mark of 272 required for a majority. The BJP alone secured 240 seats, while the Congress-led INDIA bloc achieved 223 seats. Within the INDIA bloc, Congress secured 99 seats, Samajwadi Party 37, DMK 22, and Trinamool Congress 29, with other allies contributing 93 seats. The NDA’s narrow lead over the halfway mark underscores the critical role of coalition dynamics in the formation of the new government.

The meeting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence illustrated the NDA’s efforts to project unity and strength amidst a closely contested election. The interaction between Modi, Naidu, and Kumar highlighted the strategic alliances essential for the NDA’s claim to form the government. As both the NDA and INDIA blocs navigate the post-election landscape, coalition negotiations and strategic alignments will play a decisive role in shaping the next phase of Indian politics.