Rahul Gandhi Predicts Struggles for Modi’s NDA Government in Third Term
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has suggested that the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, might face challenges in maintaining its stability during its third term. In his first interview since the Lok Sabha election results, Rahul Gandhi told the Financial Times that the political landscape in India has experienced a significant change after the BJP secured 240 seats, failing to achieve a single-party majority.
BJP Falls Short of Majority for the First Time Since 2014
This election marked the first time the BJP lost its majority since PM Modi came to power in 2014. To form the government, the BJP had to rely on alliances with parties like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)). Rahul Gandhi emphasized that a “tectonic shift” has occurred in Indian politics, opening up new spaces in the political system.
Opposition INDIA Bloc Outperforms Expectations
The opposition alliance, known as the INDIA bloc and including Rahul’s Congress party, performed better than predicted by exit polls, winning 234 out of 543 seats. The BJP-led NDA secured 293 seats. Congress improved its seat count significantly, from 52 in 2019 to 99 in 2024.
Discontent Within Modi’s Camp
Rahul Gandhi mentioned that there is significant discontent within PM Modi’s camp, with some members allegedly reaching out to the opposition. However, he did not provide specific details. He warned that the NDA government’s numbers are fragile and even a small disturbance could threaten its stability. “Basically, one ally must turn the other way,” he told the Financial Times.
Criticism of BJP’s Campaign Tactics
Rahul Gandhi criticized PM Modi and BJP leaders for allegedly spreading hatred and anger during the election campaign. He asserted that the Indian electorate rejected this approach in the recent polls. He believes that the tactics that worked for Modi in the past elections of 2014 and 2019 are no longer effective.
Rahul Gandhi on Fairer Conditions and Future Plans
Rahul Gandhi stated that under fairer conditions, the opposition INDIA alliance would have undoubtedly won a majority. “We fought with our hands tied behind our back…and Indian people, poor people, knew exactly what they had to do,” he said.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Enter Parliament
In a related development, Congress announced that Rahul will retain his seat in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, and vacate his Wayanad seat in Kerala. His sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, will contest from Wayanad, marking her first attempt to enter Parliament. If elected, it will be the first time Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be in Parliament together.
