In a recent development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after winning a third term, submitted his resignation along with the Union Council of Ministers to President Dropadi Murmu. This move may seem confusing, but it is a necessary step in the process of government formation in India. We will look into the current scenario to understand how the government is formed in India.
The Current Scenario:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fell short of the majority mark of 272 seats in the Lok Sabha, acquiring only 240 seats. However, when combined with its allies, such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal United (JDU), the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) managed to secure a total of 292 seats. As the leader of the NDA, Narendra Modi will be invited by the President to form the next government.
Resignation of the Old Government:
Before staking a claim to form the government, the existing government must resign. Therefore, Prime Minister Modi and his ministers have tendered their resignation, which has been accepted by President Murmu.
The Process of Government Formation:
According to Indian laws, the President of India invites the leading party or coalition with the majority of seats to form the next government. If a single party or coalition can gather the magic number of 272 seats, they can stake a claim to form the government.
In the case of a hung parliament, where no party or alliance can attain a majority in the Lok Sabha, the President invites the leader of the single largest party to form the government. The leader is given a period of 10 days to demonstrate an absolute majority.
If the party fails to show a majority within the prescribed time period, the President dissolves the Parliament and calls for a re-election.
India’s government-making process includes a number of steps, such as the current government stepping down and the leader of the party or group with the most seats being asked to lead the government-making process. Right now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tendered his resignation, which makes way for the next government to be formed. Since he is in charge of the NDA, President Murmu is likely to ask him to put together the government. Narendra Modi is expected to take oath as PM for the third time on June 8, 2024.