Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be sworn in for a record-equalling third term on June 8 after key allies pledged their continued support a day after a humbling election verdict that saw his party lose its majority in parliament. However, with the mandate he sought, Modi may find it easier to pursue his reform agenda as he seeks to strengthen India’s economy and make the country less divisive.
The 642 million votes cast over six weeks in the world’s largest democratic exercise were counted Tuesday, delivering an unexpected blow to Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The outcome, contrary to the anticipated resounding victory, means that he will for the first time need the support of regional allies whose loyalties have wavered over the years to govern. This could complicate the implementation of his Hindu nationalist agenda, including plans to replace the country’s religion-based marriage and inheritance laws with a uniform civil code that Muslims, Christians and other minorities oppose because it would prevent them from following their own beliefs.
Despite his promises to boost economic growth, increase jobs, and reduce inequality, Modi’s popularity has waned as the economy faltered and the middle class was squeezed by rising living costs. The 73-year-old is also a polarizing figure, with critics accusing him of turning the world’s largest democracy into a majoritarian police state. These challenges, along with the need to secure the support of regional allies, will shape his third term in office.
Nevertheless, his supporters believe he is the best person to steer India through its challenges. Until now, Modi’s only two terms in office have been marked by a raft of policies often described as “modi-centric,” emphasizing boosting infrastructure spending and reducing India’s debt burden to enable more robust economic growth.
In his concession speech after the results were announced, Modi congratulated India’s people and said he was honored by their faith in him. He said he would continue with his vision of “Viksit Bharat,” or India’s resolve to achieve success.
The NDA, including the BJP, will likely meet on Wednesday to determine its next steps and how to form a new government. If that goes according to plan, President Droupadi Murmu is expected to host a farewell dinner for the outgoing Union Cabinet at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday. Then, in a departure from the past, Modi is expected to invite opposition leaders to that dinner and allow them to discuss how they will work together. This could begin a new, more inclusive style of politics in India, historically closed to outsiders and those from other political parties. That could make Modi’s third term more hospitable for India’s fractious, ethnically diverse democracy.
