Modi"s Struggles in First 100 Days of Third Term

Narendra Modi's recent tenure has been marked by significant challenges following his re-election in June. The prime minister's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faced a reduced mandate, compelling him to forge alliances with regional leaders from Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. This shift has limited his ability to implement his proposed action plan for the first 100 days, resulting in political inertia and a series of abandoned projects aimed at specific communities, including Muslims and underprivileged castes. The parliamentary landscape has shifted, with a stronger opposition putting Modi's government on the defensive. Political analysts note that his authority has waned, as he struggles to unify the population under a cohesive program. The ambitious reforms he mentioned during his Independence Day speech, such as a uniform civil code and electoral calendar reform, are unlikely to materialize due to the lack of a qualified majority in the parliament. Moreover, urgent initiatives like the decennial population census, crucial for assessing the country's needs, have been delayed since 2021. The Standing Committee on Statistics raised concerns about the implications of this delay, leading to the government's controversial decision to dissolve the committee altogether. Overall, Modi's initial 100 days of his third term reflect a stark contrast to his previous tenure, characterized by decisive actions. The current political climate suggests a struggle for authority and effectiveness, raising questions about the future direction of his administration.