PM Modi Explains NDA’s Goal of 400+ Seats and BJP’s Aim for 370, Jaishankar Clarifies It’s ‘Not a Random Number’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday revealed the rationale behind the NDA’s (National Democratic Alliance) goal of securing 400 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) target of 370 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He explained that the slogan “Abki baar 400 paar” (This time, 400-plus) resonated with the public’s sentiments.
“From 2019 to 2024, we held 400 seats with the support of our allies. For instance, if a child in your family scored 90 marks while their peers got around 40, you would encourage them to aim for 95 next time. Similarly, we have set our target at 400 seats,” PM Modi told India TV.
PM Modi further explained that the BJP’s goal of 370 seats is linked to the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that the idea originated from a creative individual from Kashmir, with the number 370 symbolizing national unity.
“The BJP should aim for 370 seats to create a lasting impression, underscoring the importance of the country’s unity,” the Prime Minister stated in an exclusive interview.
‘370 Not a Random Number’ In a separate interview, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that the BJP’s target of at least 370 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections is deliberate. He clarified that PM Modi does not mention numbers randomly, and the party’s strategy involves meticulous analysis at the booth level.
“The 370 target is not just a slogan. We analyze our performance state by state and aim to increase our seats where possible,” the minister told NDTV.
The ruling party, along with its NDA partners, is striving for more than 400 seats out of the 543-member Lok Sabha. Achieving this would mark their third consecutive single-party majority, securing another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections commenced on April 19. Five phases have been completed, with the sixth and seventh phases scheduled for May 25 and June 1, respectively. The vote counting will take place on June 4.
