In a ceremonial event held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the Indian president, Narendra Modi, the leader of the Hindu Nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was sworn in as India's prime minister for a historic third time. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), headed by Modi, emerged victorious in the general election, securing 293 seats, albeit lower than what was initially predicted by exit polls.

Thousands of dignitaries were present at Delhi's Presidential Palace, including the heads of neighboring Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Notably absent were representatives from Pakistan and China. With security being a top priority, Delhi was declared a no-fly zone, and over 2,500 police officers were deployed around the venue.

During the ceremony, President Draupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Mr. Modi, who vowed to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, and govern with unwavering allegiance to the constitution. He promised to work in accordance with the law, ensuring equitable treatment for all citizens without fear or favor.

President Murmu also swore in the council of ministers who will serve in Modi's new cabinet. The 73-year-old leader becomes only the second Indian Prime Minister to be elected for a third consecutive term, following in the footsteps of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first-ever Prime Minister of India.

Although exit polls indicated a clear victory for the BJP, the party fell short of securing a parliamentary majority. Consequently, Modi's NDA coalition depended on two key allies, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal (United) JD(U), to surpass the required 272-seat mark for forming the government. The negotiations for key ministerial posts are underway, as Modi's allies seek concessions in return for their support.

The opposition INDIA alliance, led by the Congress party, viewed the election as a mandate against Modi's government. However, the prime minister-elect countered this claim, stating that his alliance had never lost and would continue to work for the betterment of the country. He expressed gratitude to the voters and pledged to combat corruption and poverty, with a focus on empowering the poor and middle class.

During the election campaign, Modi and his party were criticized for alleged hate speech and targeting minority communities, specifically the Muslim population, as well as imprisoning opposition figures. In response, Modi emphasized the NDA alliance's commitment to religious equality, reassuring the public of the coalition's dedication to upholding this principle.

With Modi's dominance in Indian politics over the past decade, the question arises as to whether he can effectively manage the challenges involved in running a coalition government. As the second Indian leader to hold the position for three consecutive terms, his tenure will undoubtedly face scrutiny and the need to balance the interests of his diverse allies.

Only time will tell how Narendra Modi's leadership will shape India's future, as he embarks on his third term as the country's prime minister.