By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, June 5: Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, to congratulate him and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on their victory in the Indian general election (Lok Sabha elections).
In his message to PM Narendra Modi, the Dalai Lama stated, “It fills me with admiration and pride to see India upholding its responsibility as the world’s largest democracy. These elections have indicated how much the people of India value their democracy. India is one of the great ancient civilisations, a distinctive and fundamental feature of which has been ahimsa and karuna and is increasingly regarded as a leader in the community of nations.
“On this occasion too, I would like to take the opportunity to express the Tibetan people’s immense gratitude to the government and people of India for its warm hospitality. It is due to India’s consistent generosity and kindness to us that we have been able to preserve our ancient cultural heritage in exile, in peace and freedom. We have also been quite successful in creating a greater awareness and interest in ancient Indian wisdom among new generations of our Indian brothers and sisters.
“As you prepare to resume office for a new term, I wish you continued success in meeting whatever challenges may lie ahead in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of this great nation.”
The election in the largest democracy in the world took place in seven phases from April 19 to June 1 for 543 constituency seats in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Indian parliament). The count and results were announced on June 4. The Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance secured a third term by winning 293 Lok Sabha seats across the country. The Opposition INDIA bloc, comprising the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, won a total of 232 seats. And 18 seats were won by regional parties.
The Lok Sabha (Lower house of the Parliament) is composed of representatives of people chosen by direct election based on Universal Adult Suffrage. The Constitution of India allows for a maximum of 550 members in the House, with 530 members representing the States and 20 representing the Union Territories. At present, the Lok Sabha has 543 seats filled by elected representatives. The term of the Lok Sabha, unless dissolved, is five years from the date appointed for its first meeting. However, while a proclamation of emergency is in operation, this period may be extended by Parliament by law for a period not exceeding one year at a time and not extending in any case, beyond a period of six months after the proclamation has ceased to operate.
As in other parliamentary democracies, the Parliament in India has the cardinal functions of legislation, overseeing the administration, passing the Budget, ventilation of public grievances and discussing various subjects like development plans, national policies and international relations. Besides the power to legislate, the Constitution vests in Parliament the power to initiate amendments to the Constitution.
