In a major setback to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it may end up losing the 10-year majority in the lower house of the Indian Parliament. But he is expected to form the government for the straight third term as the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has crossed the majority mark of 272. The NDA is hovering around 295 seats, way short of the ambitious target of 400. The opposition INDIA alliance has gained strength this time, with its candidates leading over 230 seats.
The BJP has suffered heavy losses in its strongholds of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. However, the party made significant gains in Odisha, Telangana, and Kerala.
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar said that the Lok Sabha results being declared on Tuesday are "a harbinger of positive change" in the country, and the people have taught a lesson to the "BJP's politics of destroying parties".
The voters have given the country a new direction in Uttar Pradesh, and even restricted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies 'satisfactorily' in the Hindi belt, which was the BJP's forte, he said, adding "though more needs to be done there".
The INDIA bloc, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, is slated to convene on Wednesday to deliberate on whether to engage with former partners such as the JD(U) and the TDP in exploring possibilities for government formation at the Centre.
Addressing a press conference, Gandhi emphasized the forthcoming meeting with alliance members to deliberate on this matter. When questioned about the potential outreach to parties affiliated with the NDA, Gandhi stated, "We are going to have a meeting with our partners tomorrow. These questions will be raised and answered there."
He underscored the importance of collective decision-making within the alliance, affirming, "We won't say anything without asking the opinion of our allies. Our alliance will decide tomorrow, and whatever they decide, we will act on that."
Reflecting on the broader significance of the general elections, Gandhi characterized them as a battle to safeguard the Constitution, noting, "India's poorest and backward stood up to save the Constitution."
