As Narendra Modi prepares to take the oath for a third term as India’s prime minister, the political landscape in New Delhi is undergoing a significant transformation. The recent election results stripped Modi of his parliamentary majority, forcing him to form a coalition government with diverse partners. This shift has brought other political parties into the spotlight, giving them newfound relevance and influence.
Gone is the messianic air that once surrounded Modi, as he now presents himself as a humble administrator in response to the voters’ desire for moderation. The question now is whether Modi can evolve into a consensus builder, a role he has not traditionally embraced during his decades in office.
Analysts note that Modi’s previous rule was characterized by a heavy-handed approach, using power levers to break opponents and secure his position. However, in the lead-up to his swearing-in ceremony, Modi displayed a more collaborative attitude, standing alongside coalition partners and emphasizing the promise of good governance and development.
For the first time in his political career, Modi finds himself in uncharted territory, leading a coalition government without a majority. This new dynamic may require him to set aside some of his party’s more controversial agenda items, such as the enactment of a uniform civil code.
Despite the challenges ahead, Modi’s popular image as a champion of economic development and Hindu nationalism remains strong. The recent electoral setback may serve as a turning point, pushing Modi to focus on his development agenda and seek consensus in governing the nation.
As Modi embarks on his third term, the spotlight is not just on him but on the evolving political landscape in India. The coming years will test Modi’s ability to adapt to a new style of governance and work collaboratively with his coalition partners to deliver on the people’s expectations.
