In a monumental display of political continuity and transition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with a cohort of 71 ministers, took the oath of office as the new NDA government officially commenced its tenure. The swearing-in ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marked a pivotal moment in Indian politics, underscoring Modi’s remarkable ascent to power for the third consecutive term, echoing the historic precedent set by Jawaharlal Nehru.
The grand event witnessed the induction of 30 Cabinet ministers, 5 Ministers of State with Independent Charge, and 36 Ministers of State, symbolizing a diverse ensemble of talent and representation within the government’s ranks. Notable figures among the newly minted ministers include stalwarts like JP Nadda, Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh, and Piyush Goyal, alongside emerging leaders such as Jyotiraditya Scindia and HD Kumaraswamy, representing a spectrum of political ideologies and regional interests.
President Droupadi Murmu officiated the oath-taking ceremony, administering pledges of service and allegiance to the Prime Minister and his ministerial colleagues, setting the stage for a new chapter in India’s governance landscape.
The august gathering also witnessed the presence of esteemed foreign dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu, and Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, among others, underscoring the regional significance of India’s political transition.
Amidst meticulous preparations, the capital witnessed stringent security measures and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony. Over 1,100 traffic police personnel were deployed to manage traffic flow, while stringent security protocols were implemented to safeguard the dignitaries and attendees.
A diverse array of over 8,000 guests, including professionals and cultural performers, graced the event, reflecting the inclusive spirit of Indian democracy. Notably, more than 250 workers involved in the construction of the Parliament were also accorded the honor of witnessing the historic moment firsthand.
For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony was broadcast live nationwide, with major television news channels and social media platforms providing extensive coverage of the proceedings. Public service broadcaster Doordarshan and the official YouTube channel of the President of India ensured widespread access to the event, fostering transparency and public engagement.
As the dust settles on the grand ceremony, attention shifts to the formidable task ahead for the new government. With a robust team in place, comprising experienced statesmen and fresh faces alike, the NDA government sets sail on a journey of governance, poised to address the myriad challenges and opportunities facing the nation.
The official seat tally from the recent Lok Sabha elections reaffirms the NDA’s dominant position, with 293 seats collectively secured by the alliance. While the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 240 seats, the INDIA bloc, spearheaded by the Congress, prevented a clear majority for the BJP, signaling a nuanced political landscape.
As the curtains draw on the swearing-in ceremony, the key takeaways resonate loud and clear: a 72-member strong Council of Ministers, with a diverse composition reflecting India’s pluralistic ethos, ready to embark on a new chapter in the nation’s democratic journey.
