India (MNN) — India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a historic third term this week. He’s made few changes to the top positions in Parliament, keeping many seats the same as in his previous term.

Although he’s surrounding himself with familiar faces, the prime minister must curry favor with political allies to pass legislation.

“They (BJP) are not in a position they were earlier on the past two terms [where] they could just pass any law they want at their whims and fancy. That can’t happen now,” David* with A3 explains.

“They depend heavily on these two major allies to keep them in power. If they (allies) decide to pull the plug, this government will collapse.”

Modi’s Hindu nationalist party, the BJP, was forecast to win a sweeping majority this year, as it did in 2019 and 2014.

“Six months [ago] when they inaugurated the temple, we thought ‘It’s a done deal. This ‘24 election is just a formality.’ We thought BJP would sweep the election,” David says.

“A lot of prayer went in for this election, and in fact, we strongly believe it [the results are] an answered prayer.”

However, widespread caution remains. When the shock of loss wears off, Hindu nationalists will likely target religious and ethnic minorities.

(Photo courtesy of VOM USA)

“They [will] probably turn the anger against the minorities because there is a general perception that those are the people who rallied around the opposition,” David says.

Please keep India’s believers and church leaders in your prayers. “Please continue to pray for India,” David requests.

“We don’t know what might happen in the days ahead. Pray that the Church will continue to be alert, agile, and prayerful, and keep their house in order so that they will not give room for the evil one to weaken the local church.”

Pray that believers will continue steadfastly in united prayer.

“This probably is the first time I’ve seen the Church across India praying extensively. There has been fasting, prayer, [and] coming together daily,” David says.

 

*Pseudonym

Header image depicts India’s President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, administering the Oath of Office and Secrecy to the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, during the swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on June 09, 2024. (Photo, caption courtesy of the Government of India/Wikimedia Commons)