Newly elected MPs of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously passed a resolution on Friday, endorsing Narendra Modi as their parliamentary party leader and Prime Minister during a meeting at Parliament Central Hall.Â
In his address to alliance partners and newly elected lawmakers, Narendra Modi highlighted the BJP's improved performance in the South during the recent Lok Sabha elections. He emphasized the significance of the party's growing influence in Karnataka and Telangana, where the BJP made significant gains despite the Congress forming recent governments. Modi stated, "NDA has set up a strong base for new politics in South India. See Karnataka and Telangana, they (Congress) recently formed governments, but people's trust was broken, and thus they embraced NDA in both states."
Modi also acknowledged the progress in Tamil Nadu, noting the increase in NDA's vote share, which he believes signals promising future prospects for the alliance in the state.Â
The BJP's performance in the South included winning a seat in Kerala for the first time, establishing a major presence in Karnataka, showing strong results in Telangana, and being part of a ruling alliance in Andhra Pradesh. Actor-politician Suresh Gopi's victory in Kerala's Thrissur constituency marked a significant milestone for the BJP.
During the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, several BJP allies, including JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, NCP chief Ajit Pawar, and HAM(S) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, supported the proposal moved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to elect Modi as the leader of the NDA. Chandrababu Naidu also credited Modi's rallies in Andhra Pradesh for helping the TDP secure 16 seats in the Lok Sabha elections.
