Narendra Modi to lay out third-term plans as parliament meets
Indian lawmakers begin taking their oaths Monday as parliament opens after an election setback forced Premier Narendra Modi into a coalition government for the first time in a decade.
During the initial session, running until July 3, Modi is expected to outline his plans for his third term. Additionally, the formal appointment of Rahul Gandhi as leader of the opposition is anticipated, filling a position that has been vacant since 2014.
Narendra Modi's first two terms were marked by decisive victories for his right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), enabling his government to pass legislation with minimal debate. However, analysts now predict that the 73-year-old Modi will temper his Hindu-nationalist agenda to accommodate his coalition partners, shifting focus toward infrastructure, social welfare, and economic reforms.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju called for a "peaceful and productive" session on Monday, though Indian media expect more vigorous debates due to the strengthened opposition.
Rahul Gandhi, 54, exceeded analysts' expectations by helping the Congress party nearly double its parliamentary seats, achieving its best result since Modi's rise to power a decade ago. Gandhi, part of a political dynasty that has shaped Indian politics for decades, is the son, grandson, and great-grandson of former prime ministers, starting with independence leader Jawaharlal Nehru.
Parliamentary rules require the opposition leader to be from a party with at least 10 percent of the lawmakers in the 543-seat lower house. The post has been vacant for ten years due to Congress's poor electoral performances, which left it below this threshold.
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