Modi 3.0 craved!
The BJP-led NDA seemed likely to retain power for a third consecutive term on Tuesday. Although the saffron party fell short of a majority in the Lok Sabha. The BJP, which had won 303 seats in 2019, managed to secure just 240 seats, 32 short of a simple majority. This situation highlighted the party’s dependence on alliance partners like JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar and TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu for government stability.
The JD(U) won 12 seats, while the TDP secured victories in 16 seats. Despite the BJP’s diminished strength, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined his vision for the third term. Indicating that it would focus on making significant decisions with a specific emphasis on combating corruption. However, the PM’s initial target for the BJP to win 370 seats and for the NDA to cross 400 was not achieved. As even prominent candidates such as Smriti Irani in Amethi, Rajeev Chandrashekhar in Thiruvananthapuram, and R K Singh in Arrah faced defeat.
The NDA is expected to stake its claim to form the new government, despite its reduced numbers. The NDA will make its final decision at its meeting on Wednesday, which will be attended by Nitish and Naidu. They are expected to give their letters of support to the BJP.
Modi 3.0 craved!
Meanwhile, the Opposition is making every effort to persuade Nitish and Naidu, who have emerged as potential kingmakers. Sources suggest that the offer of the post of Deputy Prime Minister to Nitish and a promise of special status for Andhra Pradesh are on the table if the parties extend their support to the NDA.
Even as senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted to assure that the party will grant special status to Andhra. Sources said that NCP leader Sharad Pawar is in talks with Naidu and Nitish. Both leaders are known for shifting alliances, but they rejoined the NDA ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Kumar Jha told reporters in Patna that both Nitish and Naidu are expected to switch to the NDA.