26 May - Narendra Modi was sworn in as the 15th Prime Minister of India

 

On May 26, 2014, Narendra Modi, the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was sworn in as the 15th Prime Minister of India. This event marked a significant moment in Indian political history, as it brought an end to the decade-long rule of the Indian National Congress (INC) and signaled a new era of leadership under the BJP.

Background and Political Context

• BJP's Victory: The BJP, under Modi's leadership, secured a decisive victory in the 2014 general elections, winning 282 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's Parliament. This victory was notable not only for the scale of the win but also because it was the first time since 1984 that a single party had achieved an absolute majority on its own.
• Modi's Rise: Narendra Modi, formerly the Chief Minister of Gujarat, was chosen as the BJP's prime ministerial candidate due to his track record of economic development in Gujarat and his strong leadership style. His campaign focused on themes of development, good governance, and economic reforms, resonating with a broad spectrum of voters across India.

Swearing-In Ceremony

• Date and Venue: The swearing-in ceremony took place on May 26, 2014, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) in New Delhi.
• Dignitaries and Guests: The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including leaders from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries. Notable attendees included Nawaz Sharif, the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Mahinda Rajapaksa, the then President of Sri Lanka. The presence of these leaders underscored Modi's intention to strengthen regional ties and improve diplomatic relations.
• Inaugural Address: In his inaugural address, Modi emphasized the need for inclusive growth and development, promising to serve all citizens and work towards a prosperous and united India. He outlined his vision for a government dedicated to transparency, efficiency, and public service.

Impact and Significance

• Economic Reforms: Modi's tenure has been characterized by significant economic initiatives, including the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the "Make in India" campaign to boost manufacturing, and various digital initiatives aimed at transforming India into a digitally empowered society.
• Foreign Policy: Modi has been active on the international stage, seeking to enhance India's global standing through strategic partnerships and increased engagement with major powers as well as neighboring countries.
• Domestic Policies: His government has launched numerous schemes aimed at improving infrastructure, sanitation (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan), and financial inclusion (Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana).

Subsequent Terms

• Re-Election in 2019: Modi was re-elected in 2019, securing an even larger majority for the BJP, which won 303 seats in the Lok Sabha. His second term has continued to focus on economic reforms, national security, and social welfare programs.

Narendra Modi's swearing-in as the 15th Prime Minister of India on May 26, 2014, marked the beginning of a transformative period in Indian politics, characterized by a focus on development, governance, and a proactive foreign policy.