The government’s reform plan may become more challenging as Modi, a populist who has dominated Indian politics since taking office in 2014, may for the first time require the backing of regional allies whose allegiance has waned with time.
Two of his friends in the National Democratic Alliance coalition, the Janata Dal (United), which governs the northern state of Bihar, and the Telugu Desam Party, a significant regional player in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, announced their support on Wednesday.
The head of the TDP, Chandrababu Naidu, told reporters, “We are with the NDA, I will be attending the meeting in Delhi today.” The meeting of the BJP-led alliance is set to take place later in the day.
In a meeting on Wednesday morning, the federal cabinet suggested dissolving the parliament, which is required by the constitution before Modi can establish a new administration.
The sworn-in ceremony for Modi and his new cabinet was set for this Saturday, according to local media.
In the 543-member lower house of parliament, the NDA secured 293 seats, surpassing the necessary 272 MPs for the formation of a government.