Narendra Modi will take the oath as India’s Prime Minister for an unprecedented third term this Sunday at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The ceremony will mark a significant moment in India’s political history and will be attended by a large gathering of national and international dignitaries.
Historic Oath-Taking Ceremony
President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister Modi and his new cabinet members at 7:15 PM. This event follows Modi’s appointment as prime minister-designate by the President on Friday, after BJP chief JP Nadda presented her with a letter regarding Modi’s election as the leader of the BJP Parliamentary Party. Leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also submitted their letters of support.
Key Allies and Cabinet Formation
The NDA’s coalition partners, N Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, played pivotal roles in the formation of the government. Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) hold 16 and 12 MPs, respectively, and are expected to secure significant positions within the new government. Despite these alliances, the BJP is anticipated to retain control over key portfolios.
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Opposition’s Exclusion and International Presence
The INDIA Bloc, comprising opposition parties, has expressed discontent over not receiving invitations to the swearing-in ceremony. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal stated that they have not been contacted by the government, while foreign leaders have been invited.
Prominent world leaders who will attend the ceremony include:
- President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe
- Vice President of Seychelles Ahmed Afif
- Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina
- Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth
- Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’
- Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay
- Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu
The participation of these leaders underscores India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the ‘SAGAR’ vision.
Watch the swearing-in ceremony of Shri @narendramodi as Prime Minister on 9th June 2024.
— BJP (@BJP4India) June 8, 2024
Broadcast links:
📺https://t.co/OaPd6HRrq3
📺https://t.co/vpP0MIos7C
📺https://t.co/lcXkSnOnsV
📺https://t.co/4XQ2GzrhRl pic.twitter.com/gXJ6lQpPsg
Heightened Security Measures
The Rashtrapati Bhawan will be under a stringent five-layered security arrangement, including paramilitary personnel, NSG commandos, drones, and snipers. Security will be particularly tight given the presence of SAARC dignitaries, with Delhi remaining on high alert. Designated routes have been established for the dignitaries’ travel between their hotels and the venue, with several top hotels under enhanced security cover.
Speculations on Cabinet Appointments
Sources suggest that former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and two BJP MPs from Karnataka, Pratap Simha, and Tejasvi Surya, are likely candidates for cabinet positions. Additionally, Naidu’s TDP has requested between two to four cabinet berths, and members from the Sena and NCP are also expected to secure positions in Modi’s new cabinet.
The swearing-in ceremony and the composition of the new cabinet will be closely watched as Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his third consecutive term, marking a historic chapter in India’s democratic journey.
