Narendra Modi is meeting key allies at his official residence hours after he resigned to pave way for the formation of a new government in the wake of India’s election.
A disappointing election result for Modi’s BJP means he must rely on other parties to help him achieve a majority.
Discussions today will revolve around what ministerial berths will be given to various minor parties to secure their support.
The opposition INDIA alliance, led by Rahul Gandhi’s centrist Congress party, won 230 seats, far more than was forecast. Congress alone won 99, almost double the 52 it won in 2019.
The surprise jump has not just boosted Mr Gandhi’s standing, but the alliance is also discussing its own next steps and is believed to be trying to lure over some of the BJP’s minor allies.
The role of kingmaker for the next government now falls to two BJP allies, the Janata Dal (United) and Telugu Desam Party, who control 28 seats collectively.
