New Delhi: Narendra Modi was sworn in as India’s Prime Minister for a historic third term on Sunday, accompanied by 71 ministers yet to be assigned portfolios. This cabinet includes members from the BJP’s coalition partners, whose support was pivotal in forming the government. This marks the first time Modi will share power with his allies since he first became Prime Minister in 2014.
Here’s how the international media covered PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, making him the second Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to achieve three consecutive terms.
The New York Times they remarked that the political atmosphere in New Delhi appeared transformed with the new government taking office. Faced with the lack of a parliamentary majority, PM Modi turned to a diverse array of coalition partners who are now enjoying increased significance and visibility.
The BBC provided an objective report, highlighting that the ruling alliance won by a narrower margin than exit polls had predicted. The report also pointed out the resurgence of India’s opposition, without delving into analytical commentary on Modi’s third term.
Al Jazeera emphasized that the absence of a clear majority will challenge the BJP’s ability to maintain policy consistency within a coalition government. The report noted potential hurdles from veteran coalition leaders like Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, who have significant connections across party lines and may be courted by the opposition.
Bloomberg highlighted the grandeur of the oath-taking ceremony, which was attended by 8,000 guests, including foreign dignitaries, business moguls, and Bollywood celebrities. It noted that this is the first time PM Modi will be sharing power, marking a new phase in his leadership.
AFP provided a detailed overview of the event, from the elaborate decorations to the crucial support of coalition partners essential for the government’s formation. Although the specifics of the new cabinet are still unknown, AFP mentioned that larger coalition parties have demanded significant concessions in exchange for their support.
