Modi 3.O :In the wake of the Lok Sabha election results, the BJP finds itself in a tight spot as it negotiates with its allies to form a majority government.
Without a clear majority, the BJP must secure the support of N Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP, Nitish Kumar’s JDU, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas.
These allies, pivotal for BJP’s majority, are leveraging their position to demand significant roles in the government.
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The TDP, which secured 16 seats, and the JDU with 12, have emerged as key players. Naidu and Kumar, both seasoned coalition negotiators, are reportedly eyeing prominent positions.
The TDP has expressed interest in the Lok Sabha Speaker’s post, while the JDU is pushing for a Common Minimum Programme and a coordination committee led by Nitish Kumar.
However, the BJP is reluctant to concede the Speaker’s post and might offer the Deputy Speaker position to the TDP instead.
Historically, allies in Modi’s governments had limited representation due to BJP’s previous absolute majorities. This time, the dynamic has shifted, and the BJP may need to allocate ministerial berths proportionate to allies’ seats.
The BJP is determined to retain control over the four key ministries within the Cabinet Committee on Security: Defence, Finance, Home Affairs, and External Affairs.
Additionally, the party wants to keep portfolios crucial to its infrastructure and welfare agendas, including Road Transport and Highways, and Railways. The latter is of particular interest to the JDU, but BJP insiders argue that ongoing reforms require continuity.
In previous administrations, allies were assigned lower-profile ministries like Food Processing and Heavy Industries. Now, the BJP might have to accommodate demands for more significant portfolios.
Potential offerings include Panchayati Raj and Rural Development for the JDU, and Civil Aviation and Steel for the TDP. However, allies may also be integrated as Ministers of State in major ministries such as Finance and Defence.
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As the BJP navigates these negotiations, it remains committed to its promises to support the poor, women, youth, and farmers, and seeks to retain ministries related to these sectors.
Despite the challenges, the BJP is aiming to ensure a seamless transition and maintain its policy momentum as it prepares for the swearing-in ceremony of the third Modi government.
With the political landscape evolving, the next few days will be crucial as the BJP and its allies finalize their power-sharing arrangements, shaping the future of Modi 3.0.
