In a pivotal turn of events following the announcement of the Lok Sabha Election 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has garnered the necessary majority to form the government. The coalition achieved this milestone with the critical support of two major regional allies, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], who declared their backing on Wednesday.
Despite securing 240 seats, falling short of the 272-seat majority mark in the 543-member Lok Sabha, the BJP’s collaboration with TDP and JD(U) has propelled the NDA past the threshold needed to stake a claim to form the government. The combined support of these allies has ensured that the NDA will establish the new administration over the coming weekend.
As discussions on cabinet formation intensify, key leaders from the TDP and JD(U) have convened in New Delhi to negotiate their roles in the new government. Speculation is rife regarding the portfolios these allies might secure.
Reports suggest that the TDP, under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu, is eyeing the influential position of Lok Sabha Speaker. This strategic move could help mitigate potential splits within the alliance by leveraging the SpeakerтАЩs authority under the anti-defection law. Additionally, sources indicate that the TDP may seek more than two cabinet positions from the BJP, although official statements from TDP insiders suggest that no formal demands have been made yet, and the party intends to proceed cautiously.
On the other hand, JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar is anticipated to request significant cabinet roles for his partyтАЩs MPs, aiming for portfolios such as Agriculture, Railways, or Industries. Sources close to the JD(U) have highlighted the party’s expectation for at least two cabinet berths, underscoring the BJP’s reliance on their support to retain power. Moreover, other NDA partners, including Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and Lok Janshakti Party headed by Chirag Paswan, are also lobbying for ministerial positions, each seeking one ministry.
