Washington: A senior leader from Overseas Friends of BJP-USA has announced plans for celebrations in 22 cities across the United States to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third swearing-in. The festivities, scheduled over the current and upcoming weekends, will take place in cities such as New York, Jersey City, Washington DC, Boston, Tampa, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

OFBJP-USA President Adapa Prasad stated, “ Victory celebrations will be held from this Friday to next Sunday in 22 cities in the US," on Friday.

Throughout the election campaign, OFBJP-USA and its members conducted several awareness campaigns across American cities, spanning from car rallies to outreach efforts reaching individuals in India. The BJP, holding the majority in the Lok Sabha, is witnessing a historic moment as Prime Minister Modi secures his third consecutive term in power. Prime Minister Modi is set to take oath for a third consecutive term, a first in over 60 years. 

"This is a historic occasion and a proud moment for all of us," said Chandrakant Patel, former president of OFBJP USA, who is hosting the first of the series of victory celebrations in Tampa, Florida. Once the new government settles, Prasad said OFBJP-USA plans to launch an advocacy campaign to strengthen the India-US relationship. "We would mobilise the Indian diaspora to strengthen the India-US relationship," he said.

The group is also planning to reach out to the prime minister to establish an NRI Commission to be the point person for all the issues related to overseas Indians and the diaspora.

A large number of Indians living overseas are facing problems related to issues like properties and even minor issues like matching their bank signatures. "We are seeking an NRI commission which would be the point person for all issues related to us," he said. 

Voting rights for NRI is another issue that OFBJP-USA plans to take up with the new government. Under the current system, an NRI must travel to India to exercise their right to franchise, which is very expensive, he noted. 

Results of India's mammoth elections announced on June 4 showed the ruling National Democratic Alliance coalition led by Prime Minister Modi being re-elected to power for a historic third consecutive term. It also showed a resurgence in the seats held by an Opposition coalition led by the Congress.