Indian Election Results Announced: Modi's BJP Wins Again
On June 4, the results of the Indian general election were announced, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Modi securing another victory, consistent with previous polling predictions.
Modi thus becomes the first person since founding Prime Minister Nehru to serve three consecutive terms as India's Prime Minister.
However, this victory is widely viewed as "below expectations." Even within the BJP, there is acknowledgment that the election results were not as strong as anticipated.
According to a report by "India Today" TV, BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli stated on the program that the ruling coalition led by Modi failed to meet its pre-election seat targets.
Modi had declared before the election that they would win 400 seats in Parliament.
Various exit polls also predicted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would win between 361 and 400 seats.
Surprisingly, the actual results saw the BJP securing only 240 seats.
While still in the lead, this figure is lower than the 2019 election results and marks the lowest support level for Modi since he took office in 2014.
There are concerns that the BJP might lose its majority advantage.
According to Indian law, a party needs to win more than half of the 543 parliamentary seats to form a government independently.
With the BJP currently holding only 240 seats, they are far short of the 272 seats needed to form a cabinet alone.
If the final results remain unchanged, this will be the first time in Modi's political career leading a government without a majority.
Following the election results, financial markets reacted swiftly.
Al Jazeera reported that on June 4, the Indian stock market experienced a sell-off, with the Mumbai SENSEX index and the NIFTY 50 index plunging over 7%, and the stock prices of several national banks and major Indian companies dropping by more than 15%.
Media analysis suggests that the BJP-led coalition's seat count falling short of expectations caused investor anxiety, leading to the market sell-off.
Investors' panic reflects their concerns about the stability of the Indian government.
The BJP's coalition partners will need to join forces with other parties to form the new Indian government.
This has become a focal point in current Indian politics.
If the BJP forms a government with other parties, future policy-making will need to accommodate the views of coalition partners, presenting a significant challenge for Modi's administration.
Modi's government will face the challenge of balancing the demands of different parties in policy-making, which could make policies more complex and variable.
The BJP will need to adjust its governance strategies to ensure stability and policy continuity.
In summary, although Modi has been re-elected, the election results reveal challenges and uncertainties facing his ruling coalition.
The ruling party must address both internal and external pressures, seeking broader support and cooperation under the new political landscape.
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