Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian diaspora in The Hague, Netherlands, on Saturday, underscored the importance of the date, recalling that on May 16, 2014, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance secured a decisive mandate to form a stable, full-majority government, ending a decade of the United Progressive Alliance regime under the Congress party.
2014 Landmark Victory
In the 2014 general elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party alone won 282 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha, marking the first time since 1984 that a single party achieved a clear majority on its own. Modi highlighted this achievement, stating, "Today is May 16, and this day is very special for another reason as well. Twelve years ago today, on May 16, 2014, something special happened. On this very day in 2014, the results of the Lok Sabha elections were announced. After decades, it became certain that a stable and full majority government would be formed in India. That was one day, and this is today's day."
Electoral Performance Over the Years
The BJP's seat tally increased to 303 in the 2019 elections, but the party lost its majority in 2024, securing 240 seats. Despite this, Modi remains a dominant figure in Indian politics.
Modi's Long Tenure and Emotional Connection
The prime minister reflected on his extensive public service, saying, "13 years as chief minister of Gujarat... 12 years as prime minister... in the democratic world, for 25 years... the unwavering support of crores and crores of voters... this is a matter of immense good fortune for me." He emphasized that this support transcends politics, stating, "For me, this is not just a number... this is your blessing, which is my greatest asset."
Five-Nation Tour
PM Modi is in the Netherlands as part of a five-nation tour. He arrived in the European nation from the United Arab Emirates and is scheduled to visit Sweden and Norway before concluding his tour with a visit to Italy.
