PM Modi takes Oath with Council Of Ministers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a political stalwart, has taken the oath today for his historic third term. This momentous occasion sees the formation of a new coalition government with 71 ministers in total. Among them are 30 Cabinet Ministers, five with independent charge, and 36 Ministers of State. The allocation of portfolios for these ministers will be announced in due course.
Modi 3.0: A Landmark Term
At 73, PM Modi is heading a coalition government for the first time since becoming Prime Minister in 2014 after a sweeping victory. He now joins Jawaharlal Nehru as the only Prime Minister to be elected for three consecutive terms.
The Oath Ceremony
The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan lawns, with the weather forecast predicting a sweltering 42 degrees Celsius. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath to PM Modi, followed by senior leaders Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and Nitin Gadkari.
Key Leaders Take Oath
Prominent figures like JP Nadda (BJP President), Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh), Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance Minister), S. Jaishankar (External Affairs Minister), and Manohar Lal Khattar (Chief Minister of Haryana) were the leaders taking the oath. HD Kumaraswamy from Janata Dal (Secular) and Lalan Singh from Janata Dal (United) represented BJP’s allies in the NDA.
Regional Representation
Sarbananda Sonowal (Former Chief Minister of Assam) and Kiren Rijiju (Former Minister of State for Home Affairs) were the first leaders from the northeast to be sworn in, marking a significant step towards regional representation. Virendra Kumar, a notable Scheduled Castes representative and eight-time MP from Madhya Pradesh’s Tikamgarh, was also inducted, highlighting the government’s commitment to social inclusivity.
Supporters’ Cheers
The atmosphere at the ceremony was electric, with supporters of the leaders present showing their unwavering enthusiasm and support. As each leader approached the mic to take their oath, the crowd erupted in cheers, a testament to the excitement and energy of the event.
Significant Inductions
Jyotiraditya Scindia’s inclusion in the cabinet reinforced his growing significance in the BJP since leaving Congress four years ago. Former diplomat Hardeep Singh Puri, who played a crucial role during the oil crises, was also sworn in.
Chirag Paswan’s Comeback
Chirag Paswan, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief, was inducted into the government, marking a notable comeback and solidifying his status as his father’s political heir in Bihar.
International Attendance
The swearing-in ceremony was not just a national event, but a global one, with leaders from neighboring countries and the Indian Ocean Region in attendance. This international representation included Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, underscoring the significance of the event on the global stage.