The much-anticipated day of June 4, the counting day for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, was filled with unexpected twists and turns. The mixed response, with the NDA crossing the 270-seat majority mark and securing more than 290 seats, does not dash the grand old party’s hopes, as it appears to be doing everything possible to seize upon the opportunity. The Congress-led opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A. won 232 seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the other hand, expressed gratitude to the people for their “historic” term and stated that they have placed complete trust in the BJP. The National Democratic Alliance, and I.N.D.I.A bloc has called for meetings on Wednesday with their respective allies. The winning party in Andhra Pradesh, TDP, and the BJP’s “important” ally, JD(U), are expected to attend the meeting by the saffron camp tomorrow in New Delhi.
Rashtrapati Bhavan announced on Tuesday that its Circuit -1 will be closed to the public from June 5 to 9, 2024, in preparation for the Council of Ministers’ upcoming swearing-in ceremony. This comes as sources say the BJP is preparing for an oath ceremony on June 9.
Nitish Kumar To Attend NDA Meeting On Wednesday
After reports emerged, earlier in the day, that the opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A has approached Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to make a comeback again to the alliance he initiated, sources confirmed later that the JD(U) president will be attending the NDA meeting scheduled to take place tomorrow.
Kumar, whose party is set to grab 12 out of the state’s 40 seats, will be leaving for Delhi in the morning, PTI reported citing sources. It is to be noted that Kumar recently visited Delhi during the weekend when he met top BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
With the BJP falling far short of a majority, Kumar is being seen as a “kingmaker” whom the opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc is also sending fillers.
While the BJP lost its majority in the polls, which were announced on Tuesday, the alliance led by it easily passed the magic number of 272 seats.
BJP Leaders Lauds PM Modi After NDA Manages To Cross Majority Mark
“After 1962, for the first time, a government has won the mandate for a third consecutive term,” Modi told a gathering at the BJP headquarters in the evening. Modi began his victory speech with the words ‘Jai Jagannath’ and thanked the people of Odisha for giving the BJP a clear mandate. The saffron camp is preparing to form a government for the first time in the state.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President J P Nadda were also present at the BJP headquarters, where the backdrop read ‘Thank You India’ in multiple languages, including Urdu. Modi stated that the NDA has done exceptionally well in Andhra Pradesh under Chandrababu Naidu and in Bihar under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Home Minister Amit Shah stated on X that the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) third consecutive victory in the national election demonstrates that people’s trust is solely in Modi. The voters’ support is a blessing for the prime minister’s efforts over the last decade to improve the lives of the poor and farmers, revive heritage, and restore women’s self-esteem.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the NDA’s election victory is a reflection of Modi’s policies and commitment to the welfare of the poor. The people of India have placed their trust in Modi’s leadership, he stated.
“Modiji is going to become the prime minister for a third time and under his leadership, we will work with new energy and enthusiasm to realise the dream of a developed India,” Singh stated.
Shah stated that “this victory of the NDA is a reflection of people’s unwavering faith in Modi who has devoted his life for the country” .
With this mandate, a “New India” is ready to accelerate and strengthen the country’s development, he added.
Singh stated that in the last ten years, India has reached a point where not only its citizens, but all nations, are confident that it has the ability to provide leadership and a new direction to the world while also developing.
J P Nadda, the BJP president, praised Modi’s leadership as well as the saffron party’s allies for their work. The people of the country have once again placed their trust in the strong government led by the prime minister, he said.