New Delhi : Two days after the Lok Sabha election results denied a clear majority to the BJP, its allies in the NDA have started bargaining hard for plum posts at the Centre. Despite being low on numbers, the BJP is not in the mood to relinquish key ministerial roles, according to sources. With the single largest party falling short of the magic figure, NDA allies are now on a tight deadline to reach a consensus, as plans are underway for the swearing-in ceremony of the third Narendra Modi government this weekend.
The four allies whose support is critical for the BJP to secure a majority are as follows:
- N. Chandrababu Naidu's TDP, which has won (16 seats)
- Nitish Kumar's JDU (12 seats)
- Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena (7 seats)
- Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (5 seats)
Both N. Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, veterans of coalition-era politics, have emerged as kingmakers in this election. They are reportedly demanding significant roles at the Centre in exchange for their support.
TDP has expressed interest in the Lok Sabha Speaker's post, while JDU sources indicate that they may push for a Common Minimum Programme for the NDA government. They hope that a coordination committee formed for its implementation will be led by Nitish Kumar. However, the BJP is reluctant to give away the Speaker's role, and TDP may be offered a Deputy Speaker post. It's worth noting that JDU already holds the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman post.
A significant shift from previous Modi governments is that this time, the BJP may need to distribute ministerial berths in proportion to seats won by each ally. However, the party is not keen on accommodating allies in four key ministries that fall under the Cabinet Committee on Security: defense, finance, home affairs, and external affairs.
The BJP is also determined to retain control over portfolios critical to its agenda. These include road transport and highways, as well as welfare-related areas. During the election campaign, Prime Minister Modi promised support to four "castes": the poor, women, youth, and farmers. The BJP aims to maintain influence in portfolios related to these groups.
The construction of roads and highways during the past decade of the Narendra Modi government has received widespread appreciation. Led by Nitin Gadkari, this infrastructure push has significantly enhanced connectivity to remote areas. The BJP is wary of losing momentum by assigning one of its allies to this crucial portfolio.
Another key area is the Railways. While JDU sources express interest in the Railways ministry charge (previously held by Nitish Kumar), voices within the BJP argue that ongoing reforms in this sector could be disrupted.
In contrast to previous Modi governments, where allies received relatively low-key portfolios such as food processing and heavy industries, the BJP may need to accommodate some of its allies' demands this time due to their lack of an independent majority.
According to sources, JDU may be offered portfolios such as panchayati raj and rural development, while TDP could receive civil aviation and steel. The BJP might consider accommodating allies' MPs in Minister of State roles within significant ministries like Finance and Defense. Other portfolios that the BJP may be open to sharing include tourism, skill development, science, and technology, as well as earth sciences.
