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- Continuity On Key Portfolios For Amit Shah, Sitharaman, Gadkari
On Sunday, June 9, President Draupadi Murmu administered the oaths to the Central Council of Ministers of the new NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This expanded Council, larger than its predecessor, includes 30 cabinet ministers, five Ministers of State (Independent Charge), and 36 Ministers of State. This increase underscores the significant role the Council plays in government policy-making and executive authority within India’s parliamentary system. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s achievement of winning three consecutive terms has garnered much attention, marking a historic milestone in Indian politics. This feat was last accomplished by Jawaharlal Nehru, who was sworn in four times—in 1947, 1952, 1957, and 1962. Including the interim government of 1946, Nehru was actually sworn in for the fifth time in 1962. PM Modi’s victory is particularly notable given the BJP’s performance in recent elections. The party won 282 seats in 2014 and increased its tally to 303 in 2019, a rise attributed largely to the polarisation following the Balakot air strike after the Pulwama militant attack. The new Council of Ministers features several key appointments, ensuring continuity in crucial portfolios. Amit Shah has been re-appointed as Home Minister, a role in which he is responsible for internal security and overseeing the police force. Nitin Gadkari continues as Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nirmala Sitharaman remains as Finance Minister, and Rajnath Singh retains his role as Defence Minister. This continuity in key positions underscores the government’s commitment to its established policy directions. The cabinet is diverse, reflecting regional and geographical variations, experience, gender, and communities, with significant representation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
“Prime Minister Modi’s call for collective effort and dedication from his team sets the tone for the government’s agenda. His vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 reflects an aspiration for India to reach new heights and set global benchmarks. The focus on innovative ideas, hard work, and unwavering determination is expected to drive the nation’s progress in the coming years. As the new Council of Ministers embarks on its journey, the challenges ahead will require concerted efforts, strategic planning, and a commitment to the welfare of all citizens. The leadership of Prime Minister Modi, coupled with the expertise and dedication of his ministers, positions India for a future marked by growth, stability, and prosperity.”
The reappointed ministers have outlined their priorities for the term, focusing on development, security, and governance. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh aims to improve national security by modernising the armed forces and boosting defence exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2028-29. His vision includes enhancing domestic defence production to reduce dependency on imports and promote self-reliance. Amit Shah, overseeing the Home Ministry and Ministry of Cooperation, focuses on strengthening security initiatives and empowering farmers and villages through cooperative efforts. His tenure as Home Minister has been marked by significant policy initiatives, including the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and amendments to citizenship laws. His strategic influence has been crucial in the BJP’s electoral successes. Nitin Gadkari pledges to equip India with world-class infrastructure and implement cashless treatment for road accident victims. Known for his infrastructure initiatives, Gadkari has been instrumental in expanding India’s road network and advocating for alternative fuels and safety standards in the automotive industry. Health Minister JP Nadda emphasises extending coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and enhancing India’s healthcare system. He aims to improve access to healthcare services, particularly for the underprivileged, and to ensure that India’s healthcare system continues to gain global recognition. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stresses ongoing reforms for macroeconomic stability and growth, highlighting India’s economic resilience amidst global challenges. In her second term, she has prioritised infrastructure spending, transparency in government finances, and economic growth, aligning with Modi’s vision of a developed India.
- Meanwhile INDIA bloc led in 133 seats, with the Congress leading in 99 of them. This marks a significant improvement over the Congress party’s performance in both the 2014 and 2019 general elections, where it secured 44 and 52 seats respectively.
- The biggest surprise in the June 4 results came from Uttar Pradesh, a critical state in national elections. The INDIA bloc, consisting of the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, led in 43 of the 80 seats, while the BJP was ahead in 33 seats. In the 2019 elections, the BJP had won 62 seats in Uttar Pradesh.
- Janata Dal United chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, along with Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu, are seen as key influencers. The BJP government’s fate now rests on these two leaders, known for their history of alliances with both the BJP and the Congress.
- The NDA managed to secure 292 seats, while the INDIA bloc finished with 234. Opposition parties made significant gains in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Karnataka, impacting the BJP’s overall seat count and challenging its dominance in the national elections.
- The election results have underscored the crucial role of regional leaders, who have played pivotal roles in bolstering both the NDA and INDIA alliances, each securing over 200 seats.
- Leaders like JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar and TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu in the NDA, and TMC’s Mamata Banerjee, SP’s Akhilesh Yadav, DMK’s MK Stalin, Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray, and NCP’s Sharad Pawar in the INDIA bloc, have emerged as significant figures following their parties’ strong performances in respective states.
- Despite the BJP losing 63 seats and the Congress gaining 47, there was little change in the vote share of the two main parties compared to 2019. The BJP secured 36.5% of the vote in 2024, slightly down from 37.3% in 2019, while the Congress saw a modest increase to 21.2% from 19.4%.
Prime Minister Modi has taken charge of the Prime Minister’s Office and addressed its officers and staff, asserting the PMO’s role as an institution of service and a catalyst for new energy and inspiration. He highlighted the government’s dedication and resolve, emphasizing that it is a collective effort of thousands of minds working together to serve the citizens. Modi stressed the importance of clarity of thought, faith in conviction, and character to act as prerequisites for success. He encouraged his team to develop new ideas and boost the scale of their work, aiming to achieve the target of ‘Nation First’ with the intention of Viksit Bharat 2047. In his address, Modi expressed confidence in the PMO’s ability to serve the people with dedication, stating that it is not Modi alone who runs the government but the collective effort of many dedicated individuals. He underlined that the people who belong to his team have no time constraints, limits to thinking, or set benchmarks for effort, highlighting the nation’s faith in this team. Modi took the opportunity to thank those who have been a part of his team and invited those who wish to join and contribute to the journey of Viksit Bharat for the next five years. He reiterated his commitment to nation-building and emphasized that every moment of his is dedicated to the nation. In his first Union Cabinet meeting of the third term, Prime Minister Modi decided to provide assistance to 3 crore additional rural and urban households for the construction of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). This decision responds to the growing number of families qualifying for housing assistance. The PMAY, implemented since 2015-16, aims to provide housing for all eligible households with basic amenities. Under PMAY, 4.21 crore houses have been completed in the last 10 years, with all houses equipped with toilets, LPG connections, electricity, and tap connections through convergence with other schemes.
“Prime Minister Modi’s call for collective effort and dedication from his team sets the tone for the government’s agenda. His vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 reflects an aspiration for India to reach new heights and set global benchmarks. The focus on innovative ideas, hard work, and unwavering determination is expected to drive the nation’s progress in the coming years. As the new Council of Ministers embarks on its journey, the challenges ahead will require concerted efforts, strategic planning, and a commitment to the welfare of all citizens. The leadership of Prime Minister Modi, coupled with the expertise and dedication of his ministers, positions India for a future marked by growth, stability, and prosperity.”
Kashmir Horizon View: The formation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third-term Council of Ministers marks a significant moment in Indian politics. The diverse and experienced team reflects a commitment to development, security, and governance. With key ministers retaining their roles and outlining ambitious plans, the NDA government aims to continue its trajectory of progress and stability. As India navigates its path forward, the leadership and strategic vision of these ministers will be crucial in shaping the country’s future. Their combined efforts in addressing national security, economic growth, healthcare, infrastructure, and agricultural development will play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of a developed and prosperous India. The emphasis on inclusivity, regional diversity, and representation of various communities underscores the government’s commitment to a holistic approach to governance. Prime Minister Modi’s call for collective effort and dedication from his team sets the tone for the government’s agenda. His vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 reflects an aspiration for India to reach new heights and set global benchmarks. The focus on innovative ideas, hard work, and unwavering determination is expected to drive the nation’s progress in the coming years. As the new Council of Ministers embarks on its journey, the challenges ahead will require concerted efforts, strategic planning, and a commitment to the welfare of all citizens. The leadership of Prime Minister Modi, coupled with the expertise and dedication of his ministers, positions India for a future marked by growth, stability, and prosperity.
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