A day after the unexpected Lok Sabha election results, both the INDIA bloc and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have convened meetings with their top leaders and allies to plan their next steps.
With the BJP falling short of a majority, it now depends heavily on its allies. In contrast, the Opposition’s alliance, having secured more seats than anticipated, is hopeful of forming a government if it can persuade some of the BJP’s allies to join them. Reports indicate that the INDIA group has already approached several of these leaders.
The BJP secured only 240 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, 32 seats short of a simple majority. The INDIA bloc, exceeding expectations with over 230 seats, defied poll predictions that suggested they would perform similarly to 2014 and 2019. This situation has compelled the BJP to rely on allies such as Nitish Kumar, N Chandrababu Naidu, and Eknath Shinde for government formation.
The TDP, JD(U), Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Chirag Paswan-led LJP (Ram Vilas) won 16, 12, seven, and five seats, respectively, making their support crucial for forming the next government.
N Chandrababu Naidu is set to hold a press conference in Delhi today, arriving in the national capital at 2:30 pm. According to HT sources, he is likely to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the election results, Naidu congratulated PM Modi, stating, “Thank you, @narendramodi Ji! On behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh, I congratulate you on the NDA’s victory in the Lok Sabha and Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections. The people of Andhra Pradesh have given us a remarkable mandate, reflecting their trust in our alliance and its vision for the state. Together with our people, we will rebuild Andhra Pradesh and restore its glory,” he wrote on X.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, known for his political shifts, will also be in the national capital today to attend the NDA meeting at Prime Minister Modi’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, scheduled for around 3:30 pm.
Simultaneously, the INDIA bloc will meet in Delhi. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, whose DMK won 22 seats, will travel to the national capital for this meeting. The INDIA bloc meeting is scheduled to take place at around 6 pm.
