NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alliance was headed for narrow majority as vote-counting in general election neared completion, with its tally well short of an expected landslide in surprise setback for populist leader.

Modi's own Bharatiya Janata Party was falling short of majority of its own in 543-member parliament, trends showed. Having to depend on allies to form government could introduce some uncertainty into policymaking after decade in which Modi has ruled with an authoritative hold.

"NDA will form government for third time. PM Modi will be sworn-in for third time. Congress will sit in opposition for third time," BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said, referring to main opposition Congress party.

"Introspection about slide and decrease in seats will be done threadbare. We will put our ear to ground," he said. Two key regional allies in NDA endorsed Modi as next Prime Minister, rejecting local media speculation that they could be wavering in their support or possibly switch sides.

Telugu Desam Party and Janata Dal (United) said their pre-poll alliance with BJP was intact and they would form next government.Party was leading in 33 seats in state, down from 62 it won there in 2019, with analysts saying bread-and-butter issues had overshadowed BJP's appeal to Hindu majority.

Opposition INDIA alliance led by Rahul Gandhi's centrist Congress party, was leading in over 230 seats, higher than expected. Congress alone was leading in nearly 100 seats, almost double 52 it won in 2019-surprise jump that is expected to boost Gandhi's standing.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 05 2024

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