Narendra Modi’s Second Term: A New Era of Coalition Politics in India
In a surprising turn of events, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured his second re-election but lost his party’s majority in Parliament. This unexpected outcome has punctured Modi’s air of invincibility, signaling a shift in the country’s political landscape.
When Modi first came to power in 2014, he promised economic progress, an end to corruption, and promoted Hinduism as central to India’s identity. He presented himself as a strong leader capable of leading the nation towards prosperity. However, with the recent election results, Modi’s leadership has fundamentally changed.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (B.J.P.), led by Modi, won only 240 seats in Parliament, falling short of the 272 needed to form a government. The opposition alliance, led by the Indian National Congress Party, took 235 seats. Despite this, Modi will remain on top with the support of B.J.P. allies, but his authority has been diminished.
The election results have reshaped India’s political map, with the B.J.P. losing ground in traditional strongholds in the Hindi-speaking north but making gains in regions that previously resisted Modi. The country’s stock markets also reacted to the outcome, with Modi-associated stocks plummeting in value.
As India enters a new era of coalition politics, there will be a game of political musical chairs as smaller parties demand cabinet positions and policies are revised. The new coalition partners are likely to make demands that align with Modi’s authoritarian style of governance.
Despite the unexpected outcome, India’s election was hailed as a celebration of democracy, with over 600 million voters participating in the historic event. As the country navigates this new political landscape, the future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – Modi’s second term will be defined by coalition politics and a shifting balance of power.
