The BJP-led NDA unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its leader during the board meeting held at Central Hall in New Delhi on Saturday afternoon. Modi will call on President Ramanath Kovind later in the evening, staking claim to form the new government.
BJP National President Amit Shah proposed that Narendra Modi be elected as leader of the BJP’s Parliamentary party. The decision was endorsed by former Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and former Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Thereafter, former Punjab CM and SAD leader Prakash Singh Badal proposed Modi’s name as leader of the NDA parliamentary party. This was endorsed by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, followed by Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray among others.
The leaders of the NDA were asked to make their decision and every elected MP in NDA lifted their hands up in unison, there by electing Modi as their leader. Soon after, PM-elect Narendra Modi, took blessings from veteran BJP leader LK Advani.
“The people of India have undoubtedly chosen Narendra Modi to become their Prime Minister. By looking at Narendra Modi, the poorest of the poor have a reason to hope that someone like Modi, who is from a poor family can become the Prime Minister too. There is hope for development now. Once again, the people have blessed NDA and Modi because they trusted him,” Amit Shah said.
The President of India, on Saturday, signed the order dissolving the 16th Lok Sabha. The ceremony where Narendra Modi will be sworn in as the Prime Minister is expected to be held on May 30.
BJP led NDA into a landslide victory in the 2019 General Elections, with the party alone winning 303 seats – 31 seats more than the halfway mark of 272. The NDA came close to the 350-mark, while the UPA, led by Congress suffered a massive defeat.
With former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj suffering from health issues, reports say that they may not be inducted into the new cabinet.
Reports also stated that Amit Shah may also be offered a ministerial portfolio. However, citing party sources, reports stated it is highly unlikely as the BJP is sure to benefit from Shah being the National President and chief political operator for the party. Old and new faces are expected to be inducted into the new cabinet and reports suggested that the BJP is mulling over giving opportunities to young leaders as well.