Mamata switched off all lights, sat in darkness during PM Modi's oath ceremony: TMC's Sagarika Ghose

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee staged a silent protest during the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term, as Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose reported on Monday. TMC MP Sagarika Ghose called for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to elect a new leader, criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha elections despite a campaign centered around him.

"To all those celebrating the "swearing-in" of @narendramodi, a message from India's only woman chief minister @MamataOfficial. She switched off all her lights and sat in darkness during the entire so-called "ceremony" for a "prime minister" who has resoundingly lost the mandate and has been rejected by the people," she posted on X.

"'Almost lost in Varanasi, lost in Ayodhya, could not get a majority in spite of a campaign centred entirely on himself. Modi should be replaced. Let the @BJP4India elect a fresh leader," she said.

Mamata Boycotts the Ceremony

Banerjee's TMC boycotted Sunday's oath-taking ceremony where Modi was sworn in for his third term, matching Jawaharlal Nehru's record. While most opposition leaders skipped the event, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge was in attendance.

Modi's New Cabinet

Modi's new cabinet, comprising 72 members, is larger than his previous two teams. Contrary to expectations, Modi faced little difficulty in forming the council of ministers, even with a coalition government. Parties like TDP and JD(U) did not contest the cabinet positions, despite BJP not having an absolute majority.

The swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan saw attendance from notable leaders from the Indian subcontinent and the Indian Ocean region, including Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina, and others. The event also welcomed political leaders, eminent persons, members from the transgender community, and workers involved in constructing the new parliament building.

An estimated 9,000 people gathered at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhavan to witness the ceremony, reflecting the significance of the event and the diverse representation among attendees.