Modi now relies on two more secular regional leaders, political tacticians who could potentially outmanoeuvre the Modi-Shah duo.

With the change in the balance of power, there will be internal pressure from coalition partners and external pressure from stronger opposition to not act unilaterally.

The cabinet recommended the dissolution of the lower house of parliament on Wednesday, a day after his Bharatiya Janata party-led alliance won a rare third term in general elections

The Indian Supreme Court's recent decision on electoral bonds underline the importance of citizens' role in exercising their right to information as watchdogs of good governance.

After the first phase of voting, Modi seems to have changed his campaign strategy, focusing more on firing up BJP's Hindu base.