A year ago, the BJP-led NDA began its third term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi—this time with a slimmer majority, relying on crucial allies like the TDP and JD(U). Critics were quick to predict instability, with some forecasting mid-term elections in 2025. Yet, as Modi 3.0 completes its first year, those doubts have largely been silenced. The government has not only held together but gained momentum—winning assembly elections in three states, smoothly passing key Bills, and maintaining ally support without major setbacks.
The predictions have been decisively proven wrong, as the BJP has managed to shift the momentum in just a year. It secured victories in three crucial assembly elections—those in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Delhi—demonstrating its continued electoral strength. The party’s top leadership reinforced its authority by smoothly pushing through significant legislation, including the contentious Waqf Bill. Meanwhile, the BJP has kept its allies firmly aligned without any major friction. In contrast, the Opposition, despite having greater numbers in the Lok Sabha, has revealed internal divisions on key issues.
While the groundwork for celebrating Modi 3.0’s first anniversary was already in place, Operation Sindoor has added the finishing touch—bolstering public sentiment and further strengthening support for the Centre.
BJP’s Post-Lok Sabha Revival Trail
Following its underwhelming performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP quickly rebounded with a string of decisive assembly victories in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi—silencing doubts about a weakened mandate.
In Haryana, despite winning just 5 out of 10 Lok Sabha seats in June 2024, the BJP stormed back in the October assembly polls, securing 48 of 90 seats and earning a historic third consecutive term—especially significant in a state that had witnessed intense farmer-led protests.
The momentum continued in Maharashtra, where the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance swept the November elections with 235 out of 288 seats. The BJP alone won 132 seats, boasting an impressive 89 per cent strike rate.
Perhaps most symbolically, in February 2025, the BJP ended AAP’s decade-long reign in Delhi, clinching 48 of 70 seats and marking its first assembly win in the capital since 1998. These victories not only revived the BJP’s political momentum but also reaffirmed public confidence in Modi’s leadership, effectively countering the narrative of decline post-2024.
Modi 3.0’s Legislative Drive Showcases Political Resolve
Over the past year, the Modi-led government has demonstrated firm political resolve by pushing through key legislation, underscoring its authority despite a reduced majority.
A prime example is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed in April after extensive debate and consultations. Aimed at increasing transparency in the management of Waqf properties, the bill sparked strong opposition from Muslim organisations and the I.N.D.I Alliance, who called it “unconstitutional.” Yet, the BJP held its ground, securing comfortable majorities, 288 votes in the Lok Sabha and 128 in the Rajya Sabha.
The government also moved forward with proposals for simultaneous elections, signalling its intent to pursue deep structural reforms, even as concerns were raised by allies like the JD(U).
In addition, several major bills were tabled post the 2024 general elections, including the Railways (Amendment) Bill to modernise train operations, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at tightening financial oversight, and the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, to revamp India’s aviation framework. Together, these moves reflect Modi 3.0’s continued drive to implement its legislative agenda despite political constraints.
BJP’s Coalition Management Counters Fragility Narrative
Defying early predictions of a fragile coalition, the BJP has adeptly managed its NDA allies—particularly the TDP and JD(U)—through strategic engagement and negotiation.
Initial concerns from allies over the Waqf Bill, especially around its impact on Muslim voters, were addressed through dialogue and the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee, easing tensions and ensuring continued support.
Notably, key allies like Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, despite their strong regional bases and political leverage, have remained firmly within the NDA fold. Both leaders have publicly reiterated their commitment to the alliance, quelling speculation about possible defections.
Even in Maharashtra, where post-election friction arose over leadership roles, the BJP navigated the crisis with tactical diplomacy. Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde briefly withdrew from public view amid speculation Devendra Fadnavis would be named chief minister. Reluctant to accept a deputy post, Shinde was eventually brought back on board after high-level talks in Delhi. The BJP placated him by offering his party key portfolios like Urban Development and Public Works. These episodes highlight the BJP’s skilful handling of coalition dynamics, reinforcing stability within NDA 3.0.
I.N.D.I Alliance Struggles with Internal Divisions
Despite winning 235 Lok Sabha seats in 2024, the Opposition’s I.N.D.I Alliance has struggled to leverage its numbers effectively due to deep internal divisions.
This split was evident as Congress aggressively targeted PM Modi over the Adani controversy and sought to disrupt parliamentary proceedings, while allies such as the Trinamool Congress and the Samajwadi Party pushed for dialogue and cooperation in Parliament.
Congress’s inconsistent stance—supporting initiatives like Operation Sindoor internationally but criticising them domestically—has further highlighted the bloc’s lack of unified messaging and coherence.
Operation Sindoor Secures Bipartisan Backing for PM Modi
Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, proved to be a turning point. By striking terror networks in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied J&K with precision, the Indian armed forces, guided by political leadership, demonstrated the Centre’s firm resolve.
The operation earned bipartisan support, with Opposition leaders like Shashi Tharoor and Asaduddin Owaisi joining diplomatic efforts abroad to promote India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. Hailed as a “masterstroke,” Operation Sindoor united the nation and temporarily sidelined Opposition criticism, strengthening Modi’s image as a decisive leader and restoring public confidence.
Within just one year, Modi 3.0 has turned early challenges into a story of success—through election wins, legislative assertiveness, skilful coalition management, and a strong security posture, the BJP has not only silenced critics but also laid the groundwork for a powerful third term.
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