PM Modi Oath Ceremony LIVE Updates: S Jaishankar Set to Retake Oath as External Affairs Minister
Today marks a historic event in Indian political history as Narendra Modi is set to take the oath of office for his third consecutive term as Prime Minister. The ceremony will commence at 7:15 PM at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, making Modi the first person since Jawaharlal Nehru to be elected as Prime Minister for three consecutive terms. This significant milestone will be witnessed by a host of national and international dignitaries, underlining the global significance of this event.
The ceremony will not only feature the swearing-in of Prime Minister Modi but also the induction of members of his council of ministers. While the entire council will not be sworn in today, thirty ministers are expected to take the oath, including those handling crucial departments such as Home, Defense, Finance, and External Affairs. Among them, S. Jaishankar is slated to continue as the Minister for External Affairs. The council of ministers is anticipated to include 78 to 81 leaders, reflecting a coalition composition with significant representation from allies such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal United (JDU), among others.
The event will be graced by several prominent international leaders, emphasizing India’s strategic partnerships and diplomatic relations. Confirmed attendees include the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe; the President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu; the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina; the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’; and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay. This robust attendance underscores the importance of regional cooperation and India’s commitment to its ‘Neighborhood First’ policy.
Security arrangements have been significantly heightened across the capital to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony. A three-tier security system has been established around Rashtrapati Bhawan, and over 2,500 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed throughout Delhi. Additionally, the Delhi-NCT area has been declared a no-fly zone to prevent any aerial threats, with strict prohibitions on the use of drones and similar devices.
President Draupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to PM Modi and the newly appointed ministers. Due to the presence of a large number of dignitaries, extensive traffic advisories have been issued, and over 1,100 traffic personnel are on duty to manage the movement and ensure minimal disruption for the general public. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Traffic, Prashant Gautam, stated that all necessary rehearsals have been conducted and the personnel are well-prepared for the event.
In a symbolic gesture, around 250 workers who contributed to the construction of the new Parliament building have been invited to attend the ceremony. They will gather at BJP leader Mansukh Mandaviya’s residence at 3 PM before proceeding to the President’s house, highlighting the inclusivity of the event.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also confirmed several changes within the cabinet. Notably, Smriti Irani and Anurag Thakur will not be part of the new cabinet, as confirmed after a tea meeting at Modi’s residence. Meanwhile, new faces such as Santanu Thakur from Bengal are expected to be included, reflecting the party’s strategy to bring in fresh leadership.
The event will also see the participation of various political leaders from different parties and regions. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, representing the opposition, is set to attend the ceremony. Leaders from BJP allies, such as TDP MP Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, have also expressed their anticipation of taking up ministerial roles in the new government.
As the day progresses, more updates and details will continue to emerge, capturing the full scope and significance of this pivotal moment in Indian politics.
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Author:- Apoorva Arora