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Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, leaders of the Janata Dal (United) and Telugu Desam Party respectively, are reportedly seeking key positions in the upcoming Modi cabinet. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), of which their parties are a part, won 293 seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections, falling short of the majority mark of 272. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the dominant party in the NDA, has been engaged in negotiations with its alliance partners to secure their support in forming a government.
The TDP is reportedly seeking five cabinet posts, including the position of parliamentary speaker, while the JDU is eyeing two major portfolios - railways and rural development. The BJP, however, is said to be reluctant to concede key ministries such as defense, finance, home affairs, and external affairs to its allies. These ministries come under the purview of the Cabinet Committee on Security, and the BJP is keen on retaining control over them.
The ongoing coalition negotiations are reminiscent of the pre-2014 era, when the BJP did not have an outright majority in the Lok Sabha. During that time, alliance partners often bargained for positions and benefits in exchange for their support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to chair an NDA meeting today where he will be formally elected as the leader. He is expected to meet President Droupadi Murmu later on Friday to stake his claim to form a government. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place on Sunday evening.
Source: Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu's Parties In Huddle Ahead Of NDA Meet Today