Australian PM Abbott congratulates Modi on resounding victory

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott called BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) prime minister-designate Narendra Modi and congratulated him on his resounding victory.

Abbott told Modi he was looking forward to working with him, and also invited him to G20 summit to be held in November this year.

The BJP-led NDA secured an absolute majority in elections for the 16th Lok Sabha by claiming 337 seats. Of these, the BJP won in 283 seats. Among the other 15 parties in the coalition, only the SHS (19 seats) and the TDP (16) managed to achieve double digit figures.

In contrast, the ruling UPA could manage to win only 58 seats. Of these, the Congress won 43, its worst electoral performance since 1977. The remaining nine members of the ruling coalition could manage only single digit results, with the NCP coming second with five seats, and the RJD with four.

Friday's result was the largest anti-incumbency vote in India's history. It was driven by a desire for change and anger against corruption and the sluggish economy fanned directly or indirectly by the Congress-led UPA regime, which was in power for a decade.

It also represented the people's hope for a better India under BJP prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi.