Allies Become Key as BJP Falls Short of Majority in Lok Sabha

With the BJP falling short of a majority in the Lok Sabha, key allies Nitish Kumar of JD-U and N Chandrababu Naidu of TDP have emerged as crucial figures in government formation. Nitish Kumar's JD-U holds 12 seats, while Naidu's TDP has 16.

Both leaders have a history of leaving and rejoining the NDA coalition. In 2014, Naidu's TDP was part of the NDA and received one cabinet berth and a Minister of State portfolio. With his 16 seats essential for forming the government, Naidu is expected to negotiate for a larger share in the cabinet. Having also won the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, Naidu will discuss state government formation with BJP leaders.

Another key player in Andhra Pradesh is actor-politician Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena, part of the NDA alliance. The BJP is likely to reward Kalyan for the state victory that unseated Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSRCP.

In Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, which won seven seats, is also looking for its share. Shinde has not requested a central cabinet position since joining forces with the BJP and splitting the Shiv Sena. However, with Maharashtra Assembly elections approaching, he aims to strengthen his position within the alliance.

Senior NDA leaders will meet on Wednesday to review the Lok Sabha poll results and discuss government formation. Naidu expressed gratitude to the people of Andhra Pradesh for their support, citing the failure of the previous administration as a catalyst for his party's victory. He emphasized the importance of humility in governance, stating that arrogance will not be forgiven by the people.

Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu will attend the meeting with top BJP leaders and other allies. They are expected to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is set for a third term, and discuss the composition of the new government, which will likely feature a more significant role for BJP’s allies. While the NDA surpasses the majority mark in the 543-member Lok Sabha, the BJP's reliance on its allies is crucial for government formation.