Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the NDA’s third consecutive victory in the Lok Sabha elections as a “victory of the people” as votes continued to be counted nationwide. Despite challenges, this win marks a significant milestone for the coalition.
According to PM Modi’s ambitious targets, the NDA’s performance fell short. As of 9 pm, the NDA stands at 292 seats, barely 20 seats above the majority mark of 272, and the BJP is at 240-plus, significantly below the anticipated 370. Meanwhile, the Congress is poised to secure around 100 seats, a notable increase from their 2019 tally of 52.
The BJP’s lower-than-expected seat count underscores the need for cooperation with its allies, a scenario not seen since 2019. After the 2019 victory with 303 seats, the BJP had limited cabinet positions for allies, causing friction, particularly with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
PM Modi extended gratitude to allies such as Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh’s Chandrababu Naidu. Despite their past departures from the NDA, their support is now crucial, contributing 28 essential seats to the NDA’s majority.
PM Modi encouraged BJP workers to focus on the positive aspects of the election results. He highlighted the historic achievement of securing a third consecutive term for a Prime Minister, a feat not seen since Jawaharlal Nehru’s era.
The BJP also celebrated victories in new territories, including Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with Chandrababu Naidu. Additionally, the party maintained its hold on Arunachal Pradesh, marking a broader influence.
In Telangana, the BJP doubled its previous numbers, showcasing significant growth in the region. This expansion further solidifies the party’s presence across diverse states.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
The BJP also achieved a dominant performance across much of the Hindi heartland, reinforcing its stronghold in these key regions. This widespread support highlights the party’s robust base and strategic outreach.