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NARENDRA MODI HAS been sworn in for a rare third consecutive term as India’s prime minister, relying on his coalition partners after his party failed to win a parliamentary majority in a surprise outcome.
Modi and his cabinet ministers took the oath of office, administered by President Droupadi Murmu, at India’s presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
The 73-year-old popular but polarising leader is only the second Indian prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to retain power for a third five-year term.
His Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won by landslides in 2014 and 2019, failed to secure a majority to govern on its own in the latest national election.
However, Modi’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition won enough seats to form a government, with him at the helm.
This is the first time the BJP under Mr Modi has needed support from its regional allies to form a government after a decade of commanding the majority in parliament.
Final election results released on Wednesday showed Modi’s BJP won 240 seats, well below the 272 needed for a majority.
Together, the parties in the NDA coalition secured 293 seats in the 543-member lower house of parliament.
Modi’s coalition government now largely depends on two key regional allies – the Telugu Desam Party in southern Andhra Pradesh state and Janata Dal (United) in eastern Bihar state – to stay in power.
Meanwhile, Modi’s political challenger, the INDIA alliance led by the resurgent Congress party, put up a stronger-than-expected fight, doubling its strength from the last election to win 232 seats.
An avowed Hindu nationalist, the prime minister is considered a champion of the country’s Hindu majority, who make up 80% of India’s 1.4 billion population.
His supporters credit him with rapid economic growth and improving India’s global standing since coming to power.
But critics say he has also undermined India’s democracy and its status as a secular nation with attacks by Hindu nationalists against the country’s minorities, particularly Muslims, and a shrinking space for dissent and free media.
His political opponents have questioned his government’s economic record, pointing to high unemployment and growing inequality despite strong growth.
Several South Asian leaders attended the swearing-in ceremony, including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.
Tensions between India and Maldives have grown since Muizzu was elected last year.
He has since taken a pro-China stance and removed Indian troops stationed on one of Maldives’ islets.
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He was once asked what it was like to be black and Irish. He replied – “Like a Pint of Guinness.” A true legend who is very dearly missed.
Absolute legend.
Hadn’t a note. A populist nonsense.
You clearly know nothing about music. Phil definitely did. He was original, edgey, wrote catchy and timeless tunes famous the world over, launched the careers of some guitar greats, inspired future generations of heavy metal , hard rock and pop acts ( such was his influence on multiple genres). A gentleman by all accounts, fantastic rhythm and timing, excellent vocalist, excellent and moving lyricist. A proud Irish son in the tradition of irish genius. Up there with Joyce and Yeats for his contribution to the Irish arts.
Now tell us, what have you achieved in music that qualifies you to say he hadn’t a note?
The fishing boats are lying safe at howth
Phil old pal so are you
Still missed today
Tonight I’ll another bottle of wine and another bottle of gin
And blast out live and dangerous sorry neighbours
I didn’t know him but I’m sorry for your loss guys.
Hope yis are ok just remember the good times you had with Phil
Ola
29 years gone, but never forgotten
To each their own but in my opinion that accolade goes to Rory Gallagher.
I have been of fan since I saw both in Punchestown in 1982 but Rory, for me, will always be ahead.
When asked in an interview what it was like to be the best guitarist in the World, Jimi Hendrix replied, ‘I wouldn’t know, ask Rory Gallagher’
I’m with William on this….Rory is the best…..so far. Phil is a close second though. Love both their music.
Gone but not forgotten
A real showman whos music is still remembered today. He was a legend.
Too fast to live too young to die !! Met him a few times and he was a lovely fella but he was a total slave to the poxy drugs that eventually killed him
Remember the morning I heard he passed away on the radio,I was 9 heading off to school
Those 29 years since have flown by
Makes me think : life is short indeed
One of my favourites is “Out in the Fields” with Gary Moore. AFAIK It was also his last recording.
Why or how did this turn into a competition between Phil and Rory on a day that we celebrate the greatest ever songwriter , Rory was an amazing guitar player , don’t put them against each other , just be proud we had the joy of hearing them both in our lifetime.
We are, it’s just a friendly discussion. Relax.
Philip a Legend.
Loved him. Thin Lizzy best band ever.
Smack head he Was
Fool u are
Don’t feed the troll
Obvious troll is obvious. but unfortunately he’s not wrong.
-Yes its true he had an addiction problem.
-Like so many whose star shines so bright and then there is nowhere to go but down
-and how to deal with it. Few can really
-but he was a great personality, singer , performer and songwriter…
one of the good guys still loved by so many
I’m torn between Phil and Rory myself….but it’s a fine choice to be stuck on. Everyone wins in the end when you listen to them
Philo great…Rory, Genius!
He wasn’t born in ireland though!!!!
That’s why I said Dublin-raised…
I was just saying as alot of irish singers were not born in ireland wasn’t being mean or anything!!
He classed himself as being a proud Irishman.
A lot of people in the same boat as him but unless your rich or famous not as accepted
Irish parent irish day your born
If either of your parents was an Irish citizen who was born in Ireland, then you are automatically an Irish citizen, irrespective of your place of birth.
Tom the bomb your right but so many second generation irish get a tough time as when they go back to ireland all you hear is your not irish as you haven’t got the accent or plastic paddy a phrase i cannot stand!! Its the second generation that really do fly flag for ireland and so proud of their roots !!!
emerald and the cowboy songs kick ass
Taken before his time but his music still lives on.
Magic guy
Time to revisit on Spotify I think. Amazing musician
Phil loved Jesus, he will be will looked after.
Philo maybe gone but not forgotten his music will live on in our hearts and our minds forever. RIP Philo, Garry, Roary.
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