Modi Secures Third Term Amid Unexpected Challenges

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has won a rare third consecutive term, but his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell short of expectations, securing only about 240 seats in the 543-seat parliament. This underperformance means the BJP will need to form a coalition government for the first time since 2014. The stock market reacted negatively, plunging nearly 6%. Factors contributing to the BJP's weaker showing include Modi's polarizing comments and economic issues like high unemployment and inflation. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi gained traction with a nationwide march addressing social and economic concerns.