Modi increases support, swearing-in ceremony on June 9; NDA's strength goes past 300

NEW DELHI: Invoking India's democratic power, the third NDA government under the leadership of Narendra Modi will take oath on June 9. It is indicated that the NDA has ensured the support of more than 300 MPs. It is known that seven independent parties namely SKM, Zoram People's Front and VPP from Meghalaya have declared their support to NDA. It has also sought support from its old ally Shiromani Akali Dal which has one seat.

The NDA parliamentary meeting will meet in the parliament at 9.30 am today and elect Modi as the leader. Apart from MPs, BJP Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers and party state presidents will also participate in this meeting. Then, along with the leaders, Modi will visit the President and stake claim to form the government.

It is indicated that the Rashtrapati Bhavan will be the venue for the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday evening. The ceremony will take place after six o'clock in the evening. A few coalition ministers will also take oath. There will be around 8000 guests. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), Sri Lankan President Renil Wickremesinghe and others will participate. Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth have also been invited.

Won't give important portfolios

1. The BJP has clarified that it cannot give cabinet rank to allies in the most important portfolios such as Home Affairs, Defence, Finance, Railways, External Affairs, Law, IT and Defence. BJP is also worried about giving away the Welfare and Agriculture departments.

2. TDP may get portfolios of Civil Aviation and Steel. Rural development and Panchayati Raj may go to JD(U). Shiv Sena (Shinde) may get Heavy Industries.

The BJP may give one ministerial post each to parties such as LJP, Jana Sena, HAM and Apna Dal. LJP leader Chirag Paswan has demanded Food and Civil Supplies which was handled by his father Ram Vilas Paswan.