New Delhi: The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to meet President Droupadi Murmu today to stake a claim for forming the new government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, following their majority win in the recent Lok Sabha elections. This meeting paves the way for Modi's third consecutive term as Prime Minister.

Senior leaders of the NDA, including TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu, JD(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and LJP (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan, convened in New Delhi to deliberate on government formation details. The meeting, chaired by Modi, saw the attendance of key BJP leaders and members of allied parties.

Eknath Shinde, upon arriving in New Delhi, expressed his support for Modi, stating, "Modiji has got a majority. The NDA will form the government under Modiji's leadership." JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha confirmed the meeting, noting that all present voiced their views and gratitude for the public mandate, affirming that a government under Modi would be formed soon. An upcoming meeting of all NDA MPs is anticipated.

Despite the NDA's comfortable position above the majority mark of 272 in the 543-member Lok Sabha, the BJP, with 240 seats, has fallen short of the majority on its own for the first time since 2014, necessitating critical support from its allies. The TDP, JD(U), Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the LJP (Ram Vilas), which secured 16, 12, 7, and 5 seats respectively, will play a pivotal role in government formation.

While the exact date for the oath-taking ceremony remains unannounced, there is speculation that it may occur over the weekend, contingent on the swift organization of the new government's structure. Parties like the TDP and JD(U) are expected to negotiate for key portfolios due to their crucial support for the NDA’s formation and continued stability.

Photo credit: ANI