BJP chief JP Nadda has made a significant return to ministerial duties in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic third-term cabinet. Seventy-one ministers, including NDA allies, took oath today at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the beginning of a new governance era.
Previous Role
Mr. JP Nadda previously served as the health minister in PM Modi’s first cabinet from 2014 to 2019. Following this, he assumed the role of BJP chief in 2020, succeeding Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, and the party’s chief strategist.
Extension of Tenure
In September 2022, Mr. JP Nadda’s tenure as BJP chief was extended, lasting until the conclusion of this year’s general election, showcasing continued trust and confidence in his leadership within the party.
NDA Allies in Focus
The newly formed council of ministers includes several NDA allies, with the BJP facing a minority for the first time in a decade. The spotlight is on Chandrababu JP Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal-United, which have significantly contributed to the NDA tally.
BJP’s Electoral Performance
Despite falling short of a majority, the BJP secured 240 seats in the general election, with the Telugu Desam Party winning 16 seats and the Janata Dal-United adding 12 seats to the NDA alliance.