Macro

Modi 2.0: On the rise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a triumphant return to power, this time with a bigger majority. The Bharatiya Janata Party won 303 of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha election. The swearing-in of Modi and his council of ministers was a show of power and strength. Held against the majestic backdrop of Rashtrapati Bhavan, in the presence of foreign dignitaries and captains of industry, the grand ceremony epitomised the government’s confidence and popularity, and strong diplomatic and economic ties. The government needs all of that as it grapples with falling GDP growth, rising unemployment, a looming liquidity crisis, and a slowdown in private investment. For Modi 2.0, the real work starts now.

Prime Minister Modi with his council of ministers during the swearing-in ceremony. Rashtrapati Bhavan, according to Nimish Rustagi, deputy press secretary to the President, installed 150 mist fans, six big air-coolers on the dais, and placed water bottles for all the guests on their seats to beat the scorching Delhi heat. Fully equipped medical posts and several water points were also set up.

At the oath-taking ceremony: President Ram Nath Kovind with home minister Amit Shah.

8,800

Total seats placed for guests during the swearing -in ceremony this year—the largest number hosted by the Rashtrapati Bhavan; in 2014, it was 4,100.

60 Years

The average age of ministers in the Modi 2.0 government, two years less than in 2014. Smriti Irani, at 43, is the youngest.

The number of crorepati ministers in the new cabinet; the average assets of all ministers is ₹14.72 crore. Only five have declared assets of less than ₹1 crore.

The number of ministers, who along with Narendra Modi, were sworn in by President Ram Nath Kovind. Dignitaries from the BIMSTEC countries graced the ceremony.