Prime Minister Narendra Modi took oath on June 9 along with 72 ministers of the new NDA government, marking the beginning of his third term in office. The swearing-in ceremony, held at the lawns of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, saw the attendance of leaders from India’s neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean Region, including Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Among the 72 ministers sworn in, thirty are Cabinet Ministers, five hold independent charge, and thirty-six are Ministers of State. Notably, there are nine new faces in the cabinet, adding a fresh perspective to Modi’s team. The portfolios for the newly appointed ministers will be announced later.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 73, secured a historic victory in the recent Lok Sabha elections, positioning himself for a third term, or “Modi 3.0.” This places him in the esteemed company of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, being the only two leaders to be elected for a third consecutive term. Modi’s victory comes after a significant “Brand Modi” triumph following ten years of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) rule.
The oath ceremony witnessed a diverse array of leaders taking their oaths, symbolizing the broad spectrum of support for the new government. From stalwarts like Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah to fresh faces like Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan, the event showcased the unity and diversity within the coalition.
Several notable leaders were administered the oath of office, including Nitin Gadkari, JP Nadda, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Nirmala Sitharaman, S Jaishankar, and Manohar Lal Khattar, among others. Notably, HD Kumaraswamy of the Janata Dal (Secular) and Janata Dal (United) leader Lalan Singh were among the first from the BJP’s allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to take oath.
The ceremony also marked the induction of leaders from various states and regions, emphasizing the government’s commitment to representing the interests of all citizens. Sarbananda Sonowal and Kiren Rijiju, representing the northeast, were among the ministers sworn in today, reflecting the government’s focus on the region’s development.
Additionally, the inclusion of leaders like Jyotiraditya Scindia and Hardeep Singh Puri adds depth and experience to Modi’s team. Scindia’s induction signals his growing importance in the BJP since leaving the Congress, while Puri’s extensive diplomatic experience brings a valuable perspective to the cabinet.
The presence of leaders from neighboring countries underscores the significance of India’s diplomatic relations and regional cooperation. The attendance of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlights the importance of fostering strong ties with India’s neighbors.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his third term, expectations are high for the new government to deliver on its promises and address the challenges facing the nation. With a diverse and experienced team in place, Modi 3.0 is poised to lead India into a new era of growth and development.
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