BJP allies push for key positions as Modi prepares for third term; Here’s what the demands are

Two days after the Lok Sabha election results, the BJP, lacking a clear majority, finds its allies in the NDA demanding key positions in the new government. The BJP is resistant to ceding control over major ministries. With plans underway for Narendra Modi‘s third swearing-in ceremony this weekend, reaching a consensus with allies has become urgent.

Key Allies and Their Demands

TDP and JDU Push for Prominent Roles
N Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP, which secured 16 seats, and Nitish Kumar’s JDU, with 12 seats, are pivotal for the BJP to achieve a majority. Both leaders, experienced in coalition politics, are leveraging their positions for significant roles at the Centre. TDP has reportedly sought the Lok Sabha Speaker’s post, while JDU aims for a Common Minimum Programme and a coordination committee led by Nitish Kumar.”TDP is pushing for at least four berths in the new government,” sources said in an NDTV report. Naidu’s party is also keen on the MoS finance post, aiming to fulfill promises made during the Andhra Pradesh Assembly polls. Additionally, there is buzz about Andhra Pradesh receiving more development funds as part of the negotiations.

Nitish Kumar’s party is understood to be pushing for at least four berths in the Union Council of Ministers, including railways, agriculture, rural development, and jal shakti ministries. “Names of two party leaders, Lallan Singh and Sanjay Jha, are already in circulation as probable ministers,” sources added in the same NDTV report.Shiv Sena and LJP-Ram Vilas‘ Demands
The Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, which won seven seats, is likely to secure a Cabinet-rank minister and an MoS position. Shrikant Shinde and Shrirang Barne are potential candidates for these roles.Chirag Paswan’s LJP-Ram Vilas, with a 100% strike rate in Bihar, is also in a strong position. Paswan aims to be a Cabinet-rank minister, continuing the legacy of his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, who held the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution portfolio.

BJP’s Strategic Ministries

Key Portfolios Retained
The BJP aims to retain control over four critical ministries: Defence, Finance, Home Affairs, and External Affairs, as well as key infrastructure and welfare portfolios like Road Transport and Highways. The party’s infrastructure push, led by Nitin Gadkari, and ongoing reforms in Railways are cited as reasons for maintaining these portfolios. “Construction of roads and highways in the past 10 years of the Narendra Modi government has received appreciation,” sources said. The BJP does not want to lose momentum by giving charge to one of its allies.Allies’ Potential Roles
JDU may be offered ministries like Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, while TDP might receive Civil Aviation and Steel. Allies could also be accommodated in Minister of State roles in significant ministries like Finance and Defence. Other possible portfolios for allies include Tourism, Skill Development, Science and Technology, and Earth Sciences.

NDA Meeting and Future Steps
At a recent NDA meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi, attended by key leaders like Naidu, Kumar, Eknath Shinde, and Chirag Paswan, the composition of the new government was discussed. With the BJP holding 240 seats and allies pushing the NDA’s total to 292, surpassing the 272 majority mark, the focus remains on finalizing ministerial allocations.

In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, the BJP fell short of the majority mark in the Lok Sabha on its own, securing 240 seats in the 543-member House. However, the seats won by the BJP’s allies — TDP, JDU, Shiv Sena, and LJP(RV) among others — pushed the NDA’s number in the Lok Sabha to 292 mark, fairly above the half-way mark of 272.