India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed victory for a third term on Tuesday, he said in a statement on social media.

"People have placed their faith in NDA (National Democratic Alliance) for a third consecutive time", Modi wrote on social media platform X. "This is a historical feat in India's history."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the nation at 8 pm. His address will take place at the BJP headquarters.

On Tuesday, the Lok Sabha elections defied exit poll projections with the ruling BJP falling short of the majority mark of 272. However, the National Democratic Alliance, led by BJP, is poised to form the government with Modi getting a third term.

Modi will equal the record of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru of being sworn in as the prime minister for three straight terms.

Several exit polls had predicted a massive sweep by the Modi-led NDA. However, the exit poll projections turned out to be wrong.

However, the opposition INDIA bloc put up a strong performance by bagging 233 seats. The Congress won 100 seats, up from its 2019 tally of 52.

Source The Hindustan Times/Barrons

BDST: 2123 HRS, JUNE 4, 2024
MSK