BJP Loses Majority in India's Election: Can Modi Lead a Coalition Government?
For a decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have presented themselves as the face of a new India, free from the nepotism and corruption associated with traditional parties. However, the recent election results revealed a different narrative as the BJP lost its commanding majority, sparking a political scramble to form the next government. The BJP's biggest allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) pledged support, but Modi now faces the challenge of leading a government dependent on other parties, a scenario he has not encountered before. Analysts question whether Modi, known for his centralised power, can adapt to a coalition style of governance. The dynamics within the BJP, especially with Amit Shah, may also face scrutiny as the party navigates the complexities of coalition politics. With the history of the BJP successfully running coalition governments in the past, comparisons are drawn to the era of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who skillfully led a diverse coalition. Modi, once an ardent admirer of Vajpayee, might need to draw upon his predecessor's lessons to effectively lead a coalition government in his third term. The transition from a majority rule to coalition governance poses significant challenges for Modi and the BJP, signaling a shift in contemporary Indian politics.
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