Modi 3.0: Coalition Returns

NDA has majority but BJP falls short of 272 as INDIA bloc runs it close; both alliances meet today

- ARCHIS MOHAN

The Indian electorate on Tuesday delivered to the and its allies enough seats to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lead a third successive government at the Centre, a first for any party or coalition since 1962. But with the party falling 30odd seats short of the majority mark of 272, it also reminded the BJP, which may stake claim to form the government on Wednesday, of the virtues of following the coalition dharma.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was set to win 292 seats while the Congress-led INDIA bloc was at 232 at the time of filing of this report. The Congress, in its best performance since 2014, almost doubled its seats to a hundred. After 10 years, it now has the numbers for its leader in the Lok Sabha to be given the Leader of the Opposition status, which could enable it, along with its allies, to be a more effective Opposition. The Union Cabinet will meet at 11.30 am on Wednesday to deliberate on the next course.