PM Modi Criticizes Congress’ Performance as BJP Prepares for Third Term

Summary : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, set to be sworn in for a third term, criticized the Congress party for its continued poor performance in recent elections, noting they have not surpassed 100 seats in a decade. Despite BJP winning 240 seats, its lowest in 15 years, Modi praised the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as the “most successful alliance” and emphasized BJP’s resilience and commitment to values. The BJP secured a majority with support from Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP and Nitish Kumar’s JDU. The Congress, with 99 seats, had its best result in 15 years but still fell short. Modi also advocated for coalition governance and acknowledged the strength of the NDA alliance. The INDIA opposition bloc won 232 seats, insufficient for a majority. Modi’s third-term swearing-in will place him alongside Jawaharlal Nehru in history.

New Delhi: As Narendra Modi prepares to be sworn in for an unprecedented third term as Prime Minister, he launched a sharp critique of the Congress party, highlighting their continued inability to secure a significant number of seats in recent elections. Speaking in New Delhi, Modi noted that despite a decade of efforts, Congress has repeatedly failed to surpass the 100-seat mark.

Modi praised the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), calling it the “most successful alliance” in Indian politics. The BJP, which secured 240 seats, was pushed past the majority mark of 272 with the crucial support of allies like Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) (JDU). “Even after 10 years, Congress could not touch the figure of 100 seats. If we combine the 2014, 2019, and 2024 elections, Congress did not even get as many seats as BJP got in this election,” Modi remarked, underscoring the BJP’s dominance.

Despite the BJP’s lowest seat count in 15 years, Modi emphasized the party’s resilience, stating, “We were neither defeated nor are we defeated.” He reiterated the BJP’s commitment to values, avoiding arrogance in victory and derision in defeat. His comments included a jibe at the Congress-led opposition bloc, INDIA, predicting their imminent decline.

The Congress managed to secure 99 seats in this election, their best performance in 15 years, yet still short of the 100-mark. This figure could potentially rise if Vishal Patil, a party rebel from Maharashtra, re-joins Congress. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressed optimism, stating, “Welcoming the support of elected MP from Sangli, Shri Vishal Patil to the Congress party.”

In his extensive address, Modi also advocated for governance through consensus and coalition politics. He highlighted the strength of the NDA alliance, rooted in mutual trust and dedication to constitutional values. “The mandate of 2024 is strengthening one thing again and again – the country trusts only NDA,” Modi proclaimed.

The 2024 Lok Sabha election results saw the INDIA bloc securing 232 seats, falling short of a majority. There have been speculations about potential alignments with Nitish Kumar, but sources close to the Bihar leader dismissed the possibility of rejoining the INDIA bloc, despite their interest. Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP has made its support for the NDA clear, seeking significant cabinet positions and the role of Lok Sabha Speaker.

While the BJP had aimed for 370 seats independently and 400+ with allies, the party faced setbacks in key states such as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Nevertheless, the BJP is set to form the government with the backing of the TDP and JDU. Modi’s third-term swearing-in, scheduled for Sunday at 6 PM, will place him alongside Congress stalwart Jawaharlal Nehru in the history of Indian prime ministers with three consecutive terms.