Image Credits - The Financial Express
Narendra Modi is poised to take the oath as India’s Prime Minister for the third consecutive term. This historic event, scheduled for 7:15 p.m. at Rashtrapati Bhavan, will see Modi join the ranks of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the only other leader to achieve three consecutive terms. This landmark ceremony is not just a celebration of Modi’s sustained political success but also a moment of great pride for his supporters and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
A Grand Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan
The oath-taking ceremony will be presided over by President Draupadi Murmu, who will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Narendra Modi and selected members of his council of ministers. This highly anticipated event will witness the participation of several national and international dignitaries, including leaders from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
Security across the capital has been significantly enhanced in anticipation of the ceremony. A three-tier security cordon has been established around Rashtrapati Bhavan, effective until June 11, and the Delhi-NCT area has been declared a no-fly zone to prevent the use of drones and similar devices. The city’s security apparatus, including traffic, police, and Army personnel, has been mobilized extensively to ensure a smooth and secure event.
Given the high-profile nature of the ceremony, security measures are rigorous. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Prashant Gautam, stated that nearly 1,100 traffic personnel have been deployed and fully briefed on their responsibilities. “We have conducted all necessary rehearsals and issued an advisory for the general public regarding traffic movement,” Gautam told ANI.
A Select Group of Ministers
Alongside Prime Minister Modi, a selected group of thirty ministers from his council will also take the oath. While the entire council of ministers is not expected to be sworn in today, the total number is anticipated to include between 78 to 81 leaders. This configuration reflects the BJP’s current political dynamics, as the party is slightly short of an outright majority, making it likely that more leaders from allied parties, such as Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), will feature prominently in the new council.
International and Eminent Attendees
The ceremony will be graced by an array of international leaders, highlighting India’s strategic relationships within the region. Confirmed attendees include the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe; the President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu; the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina; the Vice-President of Seychelles, Ahmed Afif; the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay; the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’; and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth.
In addition to political leaders, several eminent personalities from various fields, including Padma and Padma Vibhushan awardees, have also been invited. This eclectic mix of guests underscores the broad support and recognition of Modi’s leadership across different sectors of society.
Modi’s Oath Ceremonies
Narendra Modi’s previous oath-taking ceremonies were equally significant and grand. In 2014, his first swearing-in marked a pivotal shift in Indian politics, as the BJP secured a decisive victory, ending a decade of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) rule. This ceremony was attended by leaders from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, reflecting Modi’s initial focus on strengthening regional ties.
In 2019, Modi’s second swearing-in ceremony saw the participation of leaders from the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries. This underscored India’s strategic pivot towards enhancing cooperation within the Bay of Bengal region.
The Path Ahead
As Narendra Modi embarks on his third term, he faces a range of critical challenges and opportunities. Economically, India must navigate the recovery from the global pandemic, tackle inflation, and address unemployment. Modi’s government will need innovative strategies to ensure inclusive growth and sustain economic momentum.
On the international stage, India’s role as a balancing power in the Indo-Pacific and its relations with major global players like the United States, China, and Russia will be pivotal. Modi’s prior terms have significantly bolstered India’s global standing, but the volatile international landscape demands astute and strategic diplomacy.
Domestically, the political environment remains dynamic. While Modi commands substantial support, the opposition continues to be active, with issues like communal harmony, freedom of expression, and federalism expected to be focal points of contention. Addressing these challenges while pushing forward with developmental and infrastructural initiatives will be a key focus of Modi’s administration.