As India enters a new era of coalition governance, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is preparing to form the government, likely on Sunday (June 9), after securing a resounding victory with 293 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, speculation remains rife over the ministerial portfolios that will be demanded by the allies.
According to reports citing sources, Narendra Modi is most likely to take oath as India’s prime minister for a historic third consecutive term on June 9 (Sunday). The swearing-in ceremony was initially reported to be held on June 8 but has been rescheduled.
One of the key allies, the Janata Dal (United) led by Nitish Kumar, has made some significant demands, with Kumar emerging as a kingmaker. Sources cited in media reports suggest that Kumar has demanded not only the Railways and Finance ministries but also the Agriculture ministry. Kumar is likely to remain in the capital, Delhi, until the oath ceremony.
Amid speculation of potential allies changing sides, Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar have given written support to Modi. Naidu’s TDP clinched victory on 16 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh, while Kumar’s JD(U) won 12 seats in Bihar. Reports citing sources indicate that the TDP is also likely to make tall demands. The party may seek the Lok Sabha Speaker’s post, the ministries of Road Transport, Rural Development, Health, Housing & Urban Affairs, Agriculture, Jal Shakti, IT & Communications, Education, Finance (Minister of State), as well as five to six cabinet ministers and Ministers of State. The NDA MPs will have a meeting on June 7 (Friday) at the Parliament Central Hall, marking their first gathering after the announcement of the results on June 4. Following this, the NDA leaders will meet Narendra Modi on June 5 to plan their strategy for government formation. In the NDA parliamentary party meeting on Friday (June 7), PM Modi will be elected the leader of the NDA parliamentary party. The senior leaders of the BJP and NDA will then hold a meeting with the President and inform her about the development. Subsequently, PM Modi will stake claim to form the government as the NDA’s leader. As the coalition partners jostle for key ministries and positions, the negotiations and power-sharing arrangements will be closely watched, especially in the context of the NDA’s emphatic mandate from the electorate.
