Today, Narendra Modi is set to make history by taking the oath as Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive term, with a distinguished array of international dignitaries expected to grace the occasion. Notably, attendees will include Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, among others.
Before the grand ceremony, Modi paid homage to two significant figures in India's history: Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal in Delhi. Additionally, he visited the National War Memorial to lay a wreath, accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Scheduled for 7:15 pm at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the swearing-in ceremony will witness President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath of office to Modi and his Council of Ministers.
Sources reveal that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has been invited to attend the ceremony. However, Kharge will deliberate on his participation after consulting with members of the INDIA bloc.
Having been designated as the leader of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Modi met President Murmu on Friday, where he was ceremoniously offered 'dahi-cheeni' (curd mixed with sugar), a traditional custom symbolizing auspicious beginnings in Indian culture.
Given the high-profile nature of the event, the Delhi Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory, implementing stringent security measures reminiscent of the G20 Summit held last year. Enhanced security features include the deployment of drones, snipers, paramilitary personnel, and NSG commandos around Rashtrapati Bhavan.
To ensure airspace security, Delhi will witness airspace restrictions from 3 pm to 11 pm, although scheduled flights of operators and essential military aviation activities remain unaffected.
The oath-taking ceremony will follow a meticulously planned itinerary, with guests arriving from 5 pm onwards and the oath-taking commencing at 7:15 pm. Earlier today, Delhi Police conducted a mock convoy exercise along the designated VVIP route, underscoring the meticulous preparations.
Ahead of the ceremony, Modi will convene with his new cabinet members over tea at his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, briefing them on the agenda and expectations of the incoming government.
