In a momentous ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Narendra Damodardas Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive term on Sunday. This historic achievement places him alongside Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India, who similarly secured three consecutive terms by winning the 1952, 1957, and 1962 general elections.
The Modi 3.0 Ministry: Key Highlights
President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to Narendra Modi, followed by the swearing-in of key figures in the new cabinet. Among the prominent leaders who took the oath were Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and Nitin Gadkari. In total, 72 leaders were inducted into the Modi 3.0 ministry, including 30 Cabinet ministers, five Ministers of State with Independent Charge, and 36 Ministers of State.
Notable Appointments in Modi's New Cabinet
1. Rajnath Singh: Retains his role in the government, continuing his service in a senior capacity.
2. Amit Shah: The former Union Home Minister, continues to play a crucial role in the new administration.
3. Nitin Gadkari: Maintains his influential position, contributing to infrastructure and transport development.
4. JP Nadda: The BJP national chief, is a notable new addition to the cabinet.
5. Shivraj Singh Chouhan: The former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, joins the cabinet, adding his extensive political experience.
6. Nirmala Sitharaman: Continues her pivotal role in managing the nation’s finances.
7. Dr. S Jaishankar: Retains his position as the External Affairs Minister, continuing to shape India's foreign policy.
8. Manohar Lal Khattar: Former Haryana Chief Minister, now a cabinet minister.
9. HD Kumaraswamy: Chief of JD(S), joins the Union Cabinet.
10. Piyush Goyal: Sworn in as Union Minister after securing his first Lok Sabha term.
11. Dharmendra Pradhan: Continues his ministerial role.
12. Jitan Ram Manjhi: Founder of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), now a Union Cabinet Minister.
13. Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh: Leader from JD(U), inducted as a Union Cabinet Minister.
Coalition Government
The new ministry reflects a broad coalition, including leaders from the BJP and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies, such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Election Victory
Modi's return as Prime Minister follows the NDA's significant victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, securing 293 out of 543 seats. While the BJP won 240 seats, falling short of the majority mark on its own, the alliance's combined strength ensured a robust mandate.
This third term for Narendra Modi marks a new chapter in Indian politics, promising continuity and stability as the nation moves forward under his leadership.
