Narendra Modi named prime minister by President Ram Nath Kovind

Hours after the Bharatiya Janata Party and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously elected Narendra Modi as their leader, President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed him prime minister-elect. The president has also invited Modi to form the new government. 

"Exercising powers vested in him under Article 75 (1) of the Constitution, the President on Saturday appointed Narendra Modi to the office of Prime Minister of India," a communique from Rashtrapati Bhavan said. 

Modi was formally invited when he called on the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan in his capacity as leader of the BJP Parliamentary Party. The President has also asked Modi to intimate him about the names of others to be appointed members of the Union Council of Ministers and indicate the date and time of the swearing-in ceremony to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.    

After the meeting, Modi told reporters at the forecourts of the Rashtrapati Bhawan that the President has appointed him prime minister-elect and asked him to form the new government.    

"I am grateful to the NDA leaders for giving me the responsibility," he said.    

He said the "massive mandate" given by the people also brings responsibility to fulfill their aspirations.    

With its resources, India has great opportunities, he said, adding "we have to be ready to take advantage of it."    

He also asserted that his government will not sit back, and continue with the development work at a faster pace.    

"No stone will remain unturned to fulfill the aspirations and dreams," Modi said.    

He underlined that his government will ensure the safety and security of every citizen and work for the progress of India.    

Earlier, NDA leaders met the President with a list of their MPs as a proof of the dispensation's majority in the 17th Lok Sabha.

With Agency Inputs