‘Momentous electoral victory’ for Narendra Modi, says Seychelles President

Narendra Modi gestures on his arrival at the parade ground to attend an election rally in support of local candidates in Allahabad on May 4, 2014 (AFP PHOTO/ SANJAY KANOJIA)

(Seychelles News Agency) - The BJP is set to win a clear majority which will end an era of coalition politics that has spanned the last thirty years of Indian parliamentary life.

While the official results of India's election have not yet been declared, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has already won or was winning in 283 seats in parliament, more than the 272 required to rule in the country’s 543-seat parliament. An alliance led by the party was ahead in 338 seats, Reuters said.

In a letter sent today, Seychelles President James Michel has congratulated the leader of the BJP Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister designate of India, on behalf of the government and people of Seychelles

According to a statement from the Office of the President, Michel described it as ‘a momentous electoral victory.’ 

“President Michel said that 500 million Indians peacefully exercising their right to vote was proof of India’s commitment to further strengthening a well-established democracy. He further stated that Mr Modi’s election was testimony of the confidence the Indian people have entrusted to his leadership in achieving greater success and prosperity,” said the statement.

Michel stressed the two countries have a strategic partnership with deep people-to-people links.

“We in Seychelles, therefore, not only share the aspirations of the people of India for sustainable development and growth, but also remain steadfast in our support to the Government and people of India in their endeavours to pursue that goal. We will therefore continue to seek further deepening of the partnership between our two countries for the benefit of our two peoples " said Michel.

Michel also sent a letter to the outgoing Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, sending best wishes and thanks for ‘the tireless efforts …(..).. in promoting the excellent relations between the two countries.”

Singh was described as a ‘true statesman and a friend who contributed greatly to shaping a better future for the world.’