’For the first time since 1962...’: PM Modi addresses BJP supporters at party HQ after ‘historic’ Lok Sabha election win

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed the Lok Sabha election results as an ‘unprecedented moment in Indian history’ as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained power for the third consecutive term. The saffron party is set to win 240 seats on its own, while NDA allies lead in another 51 constituencies. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc defied exit poll predictions to secure a lead in around 234 seats.

“ ...On this sacred day, it is confirmed that NDA is making govt for the third time. We are grateful to the people. For the first time since 1962, a government has returned to power after completing two consecutive terms…new history has been created after six decades,” the prime minister said.

Party workers and supporters sounded the 'shankha' and danced to 'dhol' beats as the newly re-elected lawmakers reached the BJP headquarters. Videos shared online showed many people chanting Modi and ‘Jai Shri Ram’ as he addressed the gathering. Senior politicians, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda, were also in attendance.

Data shared by the Election Commission indicates that the BJP will win 240 seats on its own while its allies secure around 51 seats. The 2024 numbers, however, come as a blow to the saffron party — which had previously secured 303 seats on its own. The BJP will now have to rely on alliance partners to form the government and come to power.

PM Modi began his address to party workers with chants of “Jai Jagannath” — a nod to the BJP's sweep of Odisha Assembly elections. He also thanked the people of India for ‘reposing full faith’ in the BJP and NDA during the recent elections.

“Congress has been wiped out in Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim. BJP is going to form govt in Odisha. BJP won a seat in Kerala as well… our party workers in Kerala have made a lot of sacrifices,” he added.

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Modi had earlier lauded party workers for their hard work and vowed to “continue the good work done in the last decade”. 

"People have placed their faith in NDA, for a third consecutive time! This is a historical feat in India’s history. I bow to the Janata Janardan for this affection and assure them that we will continue the good work done in the last decade to keep fulfilling the aspirations of people. I also salute all our Karyakartas for their hard work. Words will never do justice to their exceptional efforts," he tweeted as the counting of votes continued on Tuesday evening. 

(With inputs from agencies)