Modi 3.0: Swearing-In Ceremony Captivates 8,000 Attendees

Political veterans, debutants, business leaders, and showbiz stars, along with a vast array of attendees, gathered at the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt as Narendra Modi took oath for his third consecutive term as prime minister.

As the day transitioned into evening, the swearing-in ceremony unfolded against the backdrop of the grand sandstone dome of the presidential palace illuminated in saffron, white, and green hues. It marked the conclusion of a 44-day election, resulting in the Modi-led BJP securing 240 seats, relying on its NDA allies for support.

Amidst bugles, ceremonial guards, and floral arrangements, President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office, with a significant focus on the political implications. The composition of the potential ministerial list, particularly from NDA partners like TDP and JD-U, garnered considerable speculation.

Among the allies, JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, HAM (Secular) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, JD(U) leader Lalan Singh, and TDP's K Ram Mohan Naidu took the oath of office as ministers.

Alongside senior figures like Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S Jaishankar, new faces such as former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar were also sworn in.

The guest list, akin to a US Inauguration Day, attracted close attention, with fewer opposition leaders in attendance. Notable figures from India's neighbourhood, religious leaders, and Bollywood stars added to the diversity of attendees.

The ceremony was also attended by industrialists Gautam Adani, his wife, and brother, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, former presidents Ram Nath Kovind and Pratibha Patil, and individuals from various walks of life, including the transgender community, sanitation workers, and labourers involved in the new parliament building's construction.

As dusk descended into night, 73-year-old Modi formally reclaimed power. He joins the ranks of Jawaharlal Nehru, achieving a feat of winning in the 1952, 1957, and 1962 general elections.

With 30 cabinet ministers and five ministers of state with independent charge sworn in, a new chapter in the country's political history unfolds, awaiting the next election cycle.

With PTI inputs.