- All the brouhaha over the Bharatiya Janata Party not winning a majority of its own in the recently concluded general election is behind us. Even though the BJP failed to win the desired number of seats, the National Democratic Alliance comfortably crossing the majority mark in the Parliament is a testament that the people’s verdict hasn’t changed. Thus, the claim of the Congress-led INDI alliance that the people’s verdict is for a change sounds increasingly hollow. Remember, the Congress on its own has 99 seats, far less than the single-largest party the BJP’s tally of 240. Some of the Congress leaders calling Modi’s third-successive term not people’s mandate simply fails to cut the ice with the comprehending public. The verdict of the people is unambiguous.
PC: Argus News
- Several opposition leaders boycotting the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term amply demonstrates how the ruling dispensation will be facing challenges in the coming days. The Modi government will have to navigate choppy waters vis-à-vis pushing ahead with the proposed bills in the Parliament. In hindsight, the BJP’s failure to get a majority and the opposition far from laying claim to form the government is to be considered as welcoming for the health of the Indian democracy. Yes, the vibrancy and uniqueness of the democracy stood apart as the people chose to caution the complacent political class that they cannot be taken for granted by attempting to camouflage real issues of existence concerning commoners.
- Prime Minister Modi and 71 ministers have been sworn in. Belying expectations, Modi has chosen some of the top leaders from the previous ministry to continue in their respective portfolios. The case in point is Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Ashwin Vaishnav, respectively. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) – a powerful decision-making body in the Union Government – will continue to remain unchanged. With this decision, Modi has sent a loud and clear message that he means business wishing to continue the government without tinkering with the successful formation. Talks of replacing Amit Shah and Nirmala have simply proved to be unfounded. The induction of JP Nadda into the Union Cabinet is also a decisive move.
PC: Mint
- Needless to mention, the Modi cabinet must go back to the drawing board and strategize to address the glaring anomalies like the Manipur violence, farm agitations, agri-development, rural distress, inflation, employment, job opportunities, and implementation of socio-economic schemes touching the lower strata of society. The huge schism apparent in the urban and rural economy must be bridged by prioritizing equality. The Modi government must also realize that the election rhetoric is behind and go about ensuring all strata of society, irrespective of caste/creed/religion/language/ethnicity, are accorded equal opportunities vis-à-vis government-sponsored schemes. It’s time to press ahead with the promised growth.
