Despite the INDIA bloc’s efforts to woo key politicians, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Wednesday affirmed its support for Narendra Modi. The NDA partners adopted a three-paragraph resolution in Hindi, electing the BJP stalwart as “our leader.”
The Varanasi MP is expected to take the oath of office for his third term as Prime Minister of India on June 8. The opposition alliance, which also met in the national capital yesterday, issued a warning that it will take appropriate steps at the right time to “realize the people’s desire not to be ruled by the BJP government.”
At the NDA meeting, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has emerged as a key influencer following the Lok Sabha elections, urged Narendra Modi to expedite the formation of his third government. Kumar’s JD(U) won 12 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, and he emphasized the need for swift action. “We should do it as soon as possible,” he reportedly told Modi. “Jaldi kijiye,” Kumar added.
“There was no discussion on the Cabinet formation, no negotiations. Nitish Kumar stated that since the election was lengthy and spread over seven phases, the process of government formation should be expedited,” said a member with knowledge of the meeting’s details.
TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, whose party secured 16 Lok Sabha seats, praised Narendra Modi, noting that winning the polls three times in a row was a significant achievement.
There is reportedly a general agreement that a mechanism should be established for members to discuss contentious issues. There are some issues on the BJP’s agenda that some members may disagree with, which will need broader discussions.
For the first time since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, the BJP will need the support of its allies to form a government. The party won only 240 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, 32 short of a simple majority.