In Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming third-term cabinet, Chandrababu Naidu's TDP will secure four ministerial positions, and Nitish Kumar's JDU will obtain two, according to sources. TDP's nominees include Ram Mohan Naidu, Harish Balayogi, and Daggumalla Prasad. JDU's candidates are Lalan Singh and Ram Nath Thakur. This allocation follows the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) winning 293 seats in the Lok Sabha, despite BJP falling short of a majority with 240 seats. The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, will feature dignitaries from neighboring countries, marking a new era of coalition governance reminiscent of pre-2014 politics.

In a significant move, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is likely to retain the Raebareli Lok Sabha seat and is expected to relinquish his Wayanad seat, party insiders reveal. Despite winning both constituencies with substantial margins in the recent elections, the decision, influenced by the Congress Working Committee meeting, leans toward reinforcing the party's presence in Uttar Pradesh. Raebareli, a traditional Gandhi family bastion, is seen as crucial for the Congress's revival in the state. A formal announcement is anticipated by June 17, confirming Gandhi’s focus on Uttar Pradesh, where Congress aims to regain its historical foothold.

Sofia Firdous, aged 32, made history by becoming the first Muslim woman elected to the Odisha Assembly, representing Barabati-Cuttack. Following in her father Mohammed Moquim's footsteps, a senior Congress leader, Firdous secured victory in the 2024 elections, defeating BJP's Purna Chandra Mahapatra by 8,001 votes. Her academic credentials include a Civil Engineering degree from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology and completing an Executive General Management Program from Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB) in 2022. This milestone highlights both her political legacy and academic achievements.

Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, aka 'Prachanda', will attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi. Modi extended the invitation during a phone call, which Dahal accepted. The confirmation follows Prachanda's congratulatory message to Modi for BJP's victory in the recent Lok Sabha elections. A senior official confirmed the attendance, expecting a formal announcement soon. This gesture underscores the close ties between the two nations and the importance of regional cooperation. Dahal's presence at Modi's swearing-in ceremony highlights the significance of India-Nepal relations amidst regional dynamics.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was offered the prime ministerial post by the Opposition INDIA bloc but declined, according to Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi. Tyagi mentioned that despite the offer, JD(U) remains with the NDA. Congress leader KC Venugopal denied knowledge of such an offer. This development comes amid speculation of the INDIA bloc's attempts to attract JD(U) and TDP, both allies of the BJP-led NDA. The INDIA bloc performed well in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, winning 234 seats, while the NDA secured 293 seats, with the BJP falling short of a majority with 240 seats.

Tensions rise within Tamil Nadu BJP as leaders criticize state president K Annamalai's strategies, blaming them for AIADMK alliance collapse and electoral setbacks. Annamalai dismisses future tie-up with AIADMK, causing internal rifts. Critics suggest AIADMK alliance could have boosted BJP's Lok Sabha standing, aiding Modi's numbers. BJP's poor performance, losing deposits in 11 seats including ally IJK's, underscores challenges. Allies PMK, TMC, and AMMK also fail to secure deposits in 10 seats. Annamalai's approach to sideline AIADMK for BJP's growth faces backlash, revealing deep-seated divisions within the party.

Delhi will be on high alert on Sunday for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony, featuring a multi-layered security setup. The Delhi Police will deploy five companies of paramilitary personnel, NSG commandos, drones, and snipers around Rashtrapati Bhawan. Dignitaries from SAARC nations are expected, necessitating a security arrangement similar to last year’s G20 summit. Designated routes from hotels to the venue and back will be provided for these dignitaries. An official notice from the Delhi Police on Friday announced restrictions on certain flying objects in the capital for the event.

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is anticipated to begin approximately on June 15, sources reveal. Oath-taking by newly elected members will span two days, followed by the election of a new Speaker. President's joint address to both Houses is slated for the subsequent day, formally inaugurating the session. PM Modi is expected to introduce his Council of Ministers during the session, which may adjourn by June 22. The final session dates hinge on the new Union Cabinet's decision, following the dissolution of the 17th Lok Sabha on June 5.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday to stake his claim to form the government. Addressing reporters, Modi assured, "Development will continue at the same pace as in my previous terms." He thanked citizens for the opportunity to serve for a third term, highlighting that "25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty." Modi emphasized, "The next five years will be crucial for India on the global stage." The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for June 9 at 7:15 PM at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel has predicted mid-term parliamentary elections in India within the next year. Addressing Congress workers, the former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister urged them to be prepared. Baghel also criticized BJP leaders, including UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, implying their positions are unstable. He remarked on BJP’s reliance on allies to form the government and accused PM Modi of losing touch with the public. Baghel’s comments came after BJP’s NDA parliamentary meeting where Modi was reaffirmed as the Prime Minister for a third term.