After 1962, For The First Time, Govt Returned For A Third Term, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his victory speech at BJP headquarters in New Delhi with the words 'Jai Jagannath' and thanked the people of Odisha for giving the BJP a clear mandate. The saffron camp is preparing to form a government for the first time in the state. Addressing BJP workers at the party headquarters in the national capital, PM Modi said, "For the third time NDA will be forming government. This is the victory of democracy. This is the victory of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas' mantra."

"I am thankful to the Election Commission for conducting polls in a smooth manner across the country," said PM Modi during his address to BJP workers.

PM Modi also hailed influencers, and opinion makers for their contribution in shaping India's elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the NDA's election victory as the victory of world's largest democracy. He hailed the Election Commission to successfully conducting the world's largest democratic exercise.

PM Modi, during his address, hailed his government for securing the third term. "On this auspicious day, it is confirmed that NDA is forming the government for the third time. We are grateful to the people," said Modi.

''This is the first time in Odisha that a BJP minister will lead the state,'' PM Modi said."After 1962, for the first time, a government has won the mandate for a third consecutive term," Modi told a gathering at the BJP headquarters in the evening.

The BJP-led NDA coalition led in a majority of seats but faced a stronger challenge from the opposition than expected. The BJP is likely to win around 240 Lok Sabha seats while the opposition INDIA bloc could win around 232 seats. The biggest setback has come from Uttar Pradesh, which holds the key to power. The BJP also saw a significant decline in seats in Rajasthan and Haryana where it swept in the last general elections. Its significant gains in Odisha and Telangana not only came as solace but also helped the BJP-led NDA to stay ahead of the magic figure.