The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to form the new government after winning 293 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, surpassing the majority mark of 272. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be sworn in for a historic third consecutive term on Saturday, according to sources.

Earlier today, NDA leaders convened at Modi's residence to analyze the election results and discuss the formation of the new government. Following this meeting, a delegation of senior BJP members and NDA partners planned to meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan to stake their claim to form the government.

This delegation includes key allies, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Chandrababu Naidu and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar, whose combined total of 28 seats is crucial for maintaining the NDA's majority. The TDP secured 16 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh, where Naidu is also set to return as Chief Minister, while the JD(U) won 12 seats in Bihar.

Speculation has been rife that both Naidu and Kumar might be approached by the opposition INDIA bloc, which secured 232 seats—40 short of the majority mark. However, to preempt any such moves, the BJP has obtained written letters of support from both the TDP and JD(U).

Prime Minister Modi, aware of the importance of these alliances, highlighted the contributions of Naidu and Kumar during his victory speech at the BJP headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday night.

As early as Tuesday evening, it became apparent that the BJP would need coalition support to form the government. Sources indicated that the Congress might attempt to court Naidu and Kumar to bolster its numbers. Both leaders have kept their options open, with demands such as special status for their states and key ministerial positions reportedly on the table.

Despite the exit polls, the opposition INDIA bloc mounted a significant challenge to the BJP, finishing with 232 seats. Key figures, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, have been discreet about any outreach efforts to Naidu and Kumar, but the intent is there, sources suggest.

The Congress delivered its best performance since 2009, winning 99 seats. This marks a significant improvement from 2019 when it secured only 52 seats, and from 2014 when it managed just 44 seats.

In the meantime, Modi met with President Murmu to submit his resignation ahead of the dissolution of the current government on June 16. He has been asked to continue in his role until the new government is formed.

On Wednesday morning, Modi chaired the final cabinet meeting of his second term, addressing the party's performance with optimism. "Winning and losing are part of politics," he remarked. "We have done good work over the last 10 years and will continue to do so."

Speaking to supporters at the BJP headquarters, Modi expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the NDA for a third term, promising to continue fulfilling the aspirations of the people.