NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be sworn-in for record-equalling third term on June 8, after key allies pledged their continued support day after humbling election verdict that saw his party lose its majority in Parliament.

Modi, populist who has dominated Indian politics since coming to power in 2014, will for first time need support of regional allies whose loyalties have wavered over years, which could complicate government's reform agenda.

Modi's Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party agreed with coalition allies to form government. "We all unanimously choose respected National Democratic Alliance leader Narendra Modi as our leader," BJP-issued alliance statement read.

Earlier in day, two allies in his NDA coalition, Telugu Desam Party, key regional player in southern state of Andhra Pradesh and Janata Dal (United) which rules northern state of Bihar, had pledged their support. NDA won 293 seats in 543-member lower house of Parliament, more than 272 needed to form government.

Modi's BJP won 240 seats on its own, weakened verdict which could slow India's fiscal tightening, ratings agency Moody's said.

TDP won 16 seats and other allies won rest of NDA total. Opposition INDIA alliance led by Rahul Gandhi's centrist Congress party won 230 seats, more than forecast. Congress alone won 99, almost double 52 it won in 2019-surprise jump that is expected to boost Gandhi's standing.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 06 2024

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