Which Indian Prime Minister won a third consecutive term in 2024 but was forced into a coalition government?

In the 2024 Indian general election, Narendra Modi secured a third consecutive term as Prime Minister, a feat previously achieved only by Jawaharlal Nehru. However, this victory marked a significant shift in India's political landscape, as Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to win an outright majority on its own, securing 240 seats, which was 32 seats short of the 272 needed for a simple majority in the Lok Sabha. This necessitated the formation of a coalition government with its allies within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which collectively secured 293 seats.

This outcome was a surprise to many, as exit polls and predictions had largely anticipated a stronger performance for the BJP, similar to its landslide victories in 2014 and 2019 when it won absolute majorities. The BJP's reduced numbers mean that Modi's third term is fundamentally different from his previous two, as he now relies on the support of coalition partners like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) to pass legislation and govern. This shift to coalition politics is expected to introduce more checks and balances, potentially influencing policy decisions and requiring greater consensus-building on contentious issues.

Modi's previous terms, from 2014 to 2019 and 2019 to 2024, saw his party secure comfortable majorities, allowing for a more decisive implementation of its agenda. His political career also includes a long tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. The 2024 election results, while still a win for the NDA, reflect a complex interplay of local factors and voter sentiment, particularly in key states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, where the BJP experienced significant seat losses. This return to coalition governance marks a notable change in India's political dynamics after a decade of single-party majority rule by the BJP.