Two days after the Lok Sabha election results left the BJP without a clear majority, allies within the NDA coalition have begun negotiating fiercely for influential positions at the Centre.
Despite these demands, the BJP is reportedly reluctant to cede control over key ministries, sources have indicated. With the single largest party falling short of the majority threshold, the NDA allies are under pressure to reach a consensus ahead of the planned swearing-in ceremony for Narendra Modi’s third government this weekend.
Critical Allies and Their Demands
The support of four key allies is crucial for the BJP to secure a majority: N Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP (16 seats), Nitish Kumar’s JDU (12 seats), Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena (7 seats), and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (5 seats). Both Naidu and Kumar, seasoned coalition negotiators, are reportedly seeking significant roles in return for their backing.
Sources indicate that the TDP has requested the Lok Sabha Speaker’s post, while the JDU is pushing for a Common Minimum Programme for the NDA government. The JDU also hopes that a coordination committee, potentially led by Nitish Kumar, will be established to oversee its implementation.
BJP’s Stance on Key Roles in NDA formation
Despite these demands, the BJP is hesitant to relinquish the Speaker’s role, potentially offering the TDP a Deputy Speaker post instead. The JDU already holds the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman position.
Unlike previous Modi administrations, where allies had symbolic representation due to the BJP’s absolute majority, this time the BJP may need to proportionally distribute ministerial positions based on the number of seats each ally has won.
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However, the BJP is intent on retaining control over critical ministries that fall under the Cabinet Committee on Security — defence, finance, home affairs, and external affairs — as well as key infrastructure and welfare portfolios.
Notably, road transport and highways, which has seen significant development under Nitin Gadkari’s leadership, is unlikely to be handed over to an ally. Similarly, the Railways ministry, sought by the JDU, is expected to remain with the BJP due to ongoing reforms.
Possible Portfolios for Allies
In previous Modi governments, allies were assigned relatively low-profile ministries such as food processing and heavy industries. This time, however, the BJP may need to concede more influential roles to secure their allies’ support.
Sources suggest that the JDU might be offered portfolios like panchayati raj and rural development, while the TDP could receive civil aviation and steel. Additionally, the BJP may accommodate allies’ MPs in Minister of State roles within major ministries such as Finance and Defence.
Other portfolios the BJP may consider handing over include tourism, skill development, science and technology, and earth sciences.
As the negotiations continue, the final distribution of ministries will reveal the extent of concessions the BJP is willing to make to secure a stable majority in the Lok Sabha.
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