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World leaders congratulate Modi as NDA elects him its leader; INDIA bloc in ‘wait and watch’ mode

While the BJP won 240 Lok Sabha seats of its own, the NDA has bagged 293 seats, comfortably above the majority mark of 272.

ByPTI

Published Jun 06, 2024 | 12:50 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 06, 2024 | 12:50 PM

Moody Analytics on Lok Sabha election results

NDA elects Narendra Modi as their leader. (X)

US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron were among dozens of world leaders who congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 5 June, on the victory of the BJP-led NDA coalition in the general elections and expressed their desire to work closely with him.

Preparations for government formation began on Wednesday, with the ruling NDA unanimously electing Narendra Modi as its leader while the Opposition INDIA bloc said it will take appropriate steps at the appropriate time to “realise the people’s desire not to be ruled by the BJP government”.

The ruling and Opposition alliances held parallel meetings at the Prime Minister’s residence and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence respectively in the evening, a day after the election results gave a clear majority to the BJP-led NDA.

While the BJP won 240 Lok Sabha seats of its own, the NDA has bagged 293 seats, comfortably above the majority mark of 272 in the 543-member House, paving the way for Modi to take the oath for a third consecutive term, a first for any ruling alliance since 1962.

The Opposition INDIA bloc too is buoyed after making stunning gains this time by bagging 234 seats.

World leaders congratulate

“Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Democratic Alliance on their victory, and the nearly 650 million voters in this historic election. The friendship between our nations is only growing as we unlock a shared future of unlimited potential,” Biden said in his congratulatory message.

During a telephone conversation, President Putin “warmly congratulated” Modi on the success of his party in the elections, his office said.

“This reflects the support of the political course pursued by the Indian leadership, recognition of the results achieved in the socio-economic development of the country and strengthening of its international authority,” the Kremlin said in a statement posted on the official Telegram channel.

“Both sides expressed satisfaction with the current level of the Russian-Indian special and privileged strategic partnership, which will continue expanding in all areas,” it said, adding that the two leaders agreed to continue constructive personal interaction.

A congratulatory letter was also sent to PM Modi, it added.

Related: Election 2024 Results: 73 women elected to Lok Sabha, lower than 2019

‘Will continue to thrive’

British Prime Minister Sunak said he spoke to Modi and congratulated him on his election victory. “The UK and India share the closest of friendships, and together that friendship will continue to thrive,” the Indian-origin leader wrote in a post on X.

Noting that India has concluded the world’s largest elections, Macron said, “Congratulations @NarendraModi, my dear friend. Together we will continue strengthening the strategic partnership that unites India and France.”

Congratulations to @narendramodi on the new electoral victory and my warmest wishes for good work. Certain that we will continue to work together to strengthen the friendship that unites Italy and India and consolidate cooperation on the various issues that bind us, for the well-being of our Nations and our peoples,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a post on X.

From Israel, Ukraine

“I extend my warmest congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on being reelected for a third consecutive term. May the friendship between India and Israel continue to surge towards new heights. Badhaai Ho !”, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on platform X.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the successful holding of the world’s largest democratic elections in India.

“Congratulations to Prime Minister @NarendraModi, the BJP, and BJP-led NDA on the third consecutive victory in India’s parliamentary elections. I wish the people of India peace and prosperity, and I hope for continued cooperation between our countries. India and Ukraine share common values and a rich history. May our partnership continue to thrive, bringing progress and mutual understanding for our nations,” he said.

“Everyone in the world recognises the significance and weight of India’s role in global affairs. It is critical that we all work together to ensure a just peace for all nations. In this regard, we also look forward to seeing India attend the Peace Summit,” he said.

An international peace summit concerning the Russia-Ukrainian war is planned to be held in Burgenstock Resort in Switzerland on 15 and 16 June.

Related: India’s democracy is not as dead as we thought: World media 

Wishes from UAE, Europe

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed extended his “sincere congratulations to my friend” Modi and wished him success in leading India to further progress. “Our two countries enjoy a deeply rooted strategic partnership and I look forward to our continued collaboration aimed at advancing the shared development goals of our nations and our peoples,” he said in message posted in English, Arabic and Hindi on X.

Modi also received a congratulatory telephone call from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the victory of NDA in the 18th Lok Sabha elections.

Congratulating Modi on his re-election, Egyptian President El-Sisi said Egypt looks forward to working together in the coming years to open-up broader prospects for enhancing the historical relations the two countries and their friendly peoples share, and to leveraging the potential available for their joint efforts. “I wish the Indian Prime Minister success and the Indian people further development and prosperity,” he said.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te congratulated Modi and said: “We look forward to enhancing the fast-growing #Taiwan-#India partnership, expanding our collaboration on trade, technology & other sectors to contribute to peace & prosperity in the #IndoPacific.”

From Asia

China also congratulated Modi on the victory of the BJP-led NDA coalition in the general elections and said it stands ready to work with India bearing in mind the overall interests of bilateral ties.

“We noted the results of India’s general election and extend congratulations on the victory of BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NDA,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.

A sound and stable India relationship is conducive to the interests of both the countries and conducive to the peace and development in the region and beyond, she told a media briefing here answering questions on the outcome of India’s elections.

China stands ready to work with India to act in the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples bearing in mind the overall interests of our ties and look to the future and advance the bilateral ties on a steady track, Mao said.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Prime Minister Modi for winning the historic third consecutive term, saying the exercise of democracy in India is indeed a marvel. “Prime Minister Modi has overseen a historic reconfiguration of the Indian economy, one that promises a better life for India’s citizenry as well as the region at large. I look forward to working closely with him as we forge a new era of relations between Malaysia and India,” he said.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo congratulated Modi for the successful completion and result of the general election and said he was looking forward to the enhanced Indonesia-India comprehensive strategic partnership for the mutual prosperity of the two countries and the region.

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong congratulated Modi and said he was looking forward to working with him to deepen the Singapore-India partnership and to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.

Sri Lanka and Nepal

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended his warmest felicitations to the BJP-led NDA on its victory demonstrating the confidence of the Indian people in the progress and prosperity under the leadership of Modi.

“As the closest neighbour Sri Lanka looks forward to further strengthening the partnership with India,” the Sri Lankan president wrote on X.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena while offering congratulations to Modi said Sri Lanka was looking forward to a strengthened bilateral relationship in his third term in office.

“Sri Lanka is committed to working together with India to overcome challenges and explore new opportunities for enhancing cooperation for peace across the world.”

“I look forward to continuously working with Your Excellency to further promote strong bilateral ties. Please accept our highest consideration”, Gunawardena said.

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal congratulated his Indian counterpart on the electoral success of his party-led alliance.

“Congratulations to PM @narendramodi on the electoral success of BJP and NDA in the Lok Sabha elections for the third consecutive term. We are happy to note the successful completion of the world’s largest democratic exercise with the enthusiastic participation of the people of India,” he said in a post on X.

Main Opposition leader and Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba also congratulated Modi.

From Mauritius

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth congratulated Modi on his historic win. “Under your helm, the largest democracy will continue to achieve remarkable progress. Long live the Mauritius-India special relationship,” Jugnauth posted on X.

Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu also congratulated Modi and voiced his desire to work with the Indian prime minister to advance the bilateral ties.

“I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries,” said Muizzu, whose statements and actions have hit bilateral ties since the pro-China leader assumed office in November last year.

Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also congratulated Modi and NDA for the historic third consecutive win and said he looked forward to working closely with him.

“Congratulations to my friend PM @narendramodi ji and NDA for the historic 3rd consecutive win in the world’s biggest elections. As he continues to lead Bharat to great heights, I look forward to working closely with him to further strengthen the relations between our 2 countries,” he wrote on X.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness, former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, Vice President of Maldives Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Lithuania President Gitanas Nausėda, President of Kenya William Samoei Ruto, and Iran’s interim President Mohammad Mokhber were among the leaders who congratulated Modi on his election victory.

A coalition government

Setting the tone for his third straight term as the head of a coalition government, Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting of the leaders of NDA parties who unanimously elected him as its leader.

The NDA MPs will meet on 7 June to formally elect Modi as their leader and the alliance leaders will then meet the President of India to submit their letters of support, HAM (Secular) leader and former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said after attending the meeting.

The new government may be sworn in over the weekend, sources said, adding that there is a view to wrap up the formalities quickly to not allow any mood of uncertainty to build up, something a buoyant opposition may push.

“Met our valued NDA partners. Ours is an alliance that will further national progress and fulfil regional aspirations. We will serve the 140 crore people of India and work towards building a Viksit Bharat,” Prime Minister Modi said on X after the meeting.

At the NDA meeting at PM’s residence, TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, LJP(R) leader Chirag Paswan, JD(S) leader H D Kumarawamy, Jana Sena’s Pawan Kalyan, AGP’s Atul Bora and NCP’s Praful Patel were among the 21 leaders from 16 parties present. The meeting was also attended by BJP’s Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and J P Nadda.

Asked by a reporter if he is in the NDA, Naidu shot back,”We contested the elections together. Why do you doubt.”

INDIA bloc

With the numbers stacked in favour of the ruling NDA, the INDIA bloc indicated a “wait and watch” approach after its old allies Nitish Kumar and N Chandrababu Naidu, who are now in the NDA, did not reciprocate to overtures and threw their weight behind Modi.

After nearly two-hour deliberations with other INDIA bloc parties, Kharge said the opposition leaders resolved to continue their fight against the “fascist rule of the BJP led by Modi” even as they thanked the people for their overwhelming support to the bloc.

“We will take appropriate steps at the appropriate time to realise people’s desire not to be ruled by the BJP’s government,” Kharge said while reading out a statement adopted by all the alliance constituents after the deliberations at his residence.

He said the decision has been taken by all constituents of the INDIA bloc in one voice.

The joint statement indicated that the alliance is keeping its options open while choosing not to stake a claim at government formation for now.

The Congress president had convened the meeting to discuss the political situation and the election results, explore any possibility of government formation and whether to reach out to their old partners Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu.

Kharge said that the opposition would continue to work together and would definitely stand by the promises made to the people and keep them.

“The constituents of the INDIA bloc thank the people of India for their overwhelming support. The people’s mandate has been a befitting reply to the BJP and their politics of hate, corruption and deprivation,” Kharge said.

“This is a mandate in defence of the Constitution of India, and against price rise, unemployment and crony capitalism and also to save democracy,” Kharge added while announcing the decision of the alliance partners.

Kharge welcomes all parties

In his opening remarks, Kharge said the alliance welcomes all parties that share its fundamental commitment to the values enshrined in the Preamble to the Constitution and to its many provisions for economic, social and political justice.

Kharge, flanked by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, NCP (SCP) president Sharad Pawar, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and other leaders including Sharad Pawar, Sitaram Yechury, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Champai Soren, Raghav Chadha, Sanjay Singh, D Raja and Sanjay Raut, said the grouping will continue to fight against the “fascist rule” of the BJP.

“The people’s mandate has given a befitting reply to the BJP and their politics of hate, corruption and deprivation. This is a political and moral defeat of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Kharge said.

NDA resolution

A resolution was passed at the NDA meeting which said the alliance government will continue working to lift people’s living standards for the country’s all-round development while conserving its heritage.

“We are all proud that the NDA fought the 2024 Lok Sabha polls unitedly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and won. We all NDA leaders unanimously elect Narendra Modi as our leader,” it added.

The resolution also said that people have seen the country being developed in every sector in the last 10 years due to the pro-people policies of the NDA government under Modi.

Janata Dal (United) leader Sanjay Jha, who was present in the meeting, said the formalities related to the formation of the government at the Centre under Modi are expected to be over soon.

Related: Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu: As INDIA bloc registers 100% strike rate, a look at how alliances fared

Dependent on allies

However, it will be a different act for him this time as the BJP has fallen well short of the majority and depends on allies for the formation after enjoying a comfortable majority on its own in the previous two terms of his government.

Hosting the meeting, the BJP presented a picture of a collective partnership with its allies with Naidu, Kumar and Shinde seated to the left of Modi while Nadda, Singh and Shah flanked the prime minister on his right.

In terms of their parties’ strength, Naidu, Kumar and Shinde are the three biggest NDA constituents in that order after the BJP.

The parties of Naidu and Kumar, who together command the support of 28 MPs, have rubbished speculation on their future moves.

Naidu has reiterated his support for the BJP, a view echoed by JD(U)’s Jha as well.

All leaders congratulated the PM for his leadership and the strides our nation has made under him. They appreciated the PM’s hard work and efforts in nation-building, he said.

Modi said at the meeting that it was a historic mandate for the NDA’s third consecutive government which, he noted, was last received in the country over 60 years back.

His allies lauded Modi for his clear vision for “Viksit Bharat” and asserted that they are partners in this goal. They also praised him for enhancing India’s pride in the world, besides his efforts towards poverty eradication and pledged to continue the good work, the sources said.

(Disclaimer: The headline, subheads, and intro of this report along with the photos may have been reworked by South First. The rest of the content is from a syndicated feed, and has been edited for style.)

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