Altaf Hussain Wani* Narendra Modi has officially begun his third term as the Prime Minister of India, despite his party, the BJP, falling short of the majority mark in the recently concluded general elections. Unlike his previous ones, this third term presents Modi with a unique set of challenges and opportunities, both domestically and internationally. Unlike his previous terms, where the BJP enjoyed a clear majority, Modi now heads a coalition government.
Historically, coalition governments in India have struggled to implement significant reforms due to the need for consensus among diverse political allies. This time, Modi has to navigate a more complex political landscape, balancing the demands of coalition partners with the agenda of the BJP. The presence of a strong opposition, emboldened by their recent electoral gains, adds to the complexity.
The opposition alliance, which has consistently criticized Modi’s authoritarian tendencies and aggressive policies, is expected to challenge the government vigorously in parliament. Managing these dynamics will test Modi’s leadership and political acumen. Modi has a proven track record of working independently and doing things in his fashion, therefore, running a coalition government successfully would be a whole new ballgame for him.
Modi’s third term places him alongside Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as one of the few Indian leaders to serve three consecutive terms as Prime Minister. His supporters celebrate this as a significan.