Following the conclusion of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP fell short of a two-thirds majority, political alliances are in motion as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the INDIA leaders convene crucial meetings today to gather support for government formation.
With the BJP-led NDA securing 294 seats in the 543-member Parliament, which is 22 seats more than the crucial figure of 272, and the INDIA Opposition bloc managing 234 seats, which is 38 seats less than the majority mark, both sides are engaged in intense negotiations to solidify their positions.
Key figures such as the TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu and JDU’s Nitish Kumar, pivotal allies of the NDA, hold significant sway in determining the path to power. While these leaders contested the general election in alliance with the BJP, reports suggest that INDIA leaders have reached out to veteran coalition-era politicians in an attempt to garner support for the Opposition bloc.
“NDA and INDIA leaders alliance are converging in Delhi for discussions on the next steps. Notably, Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav, once allies, will be traveling together on the same flight to Delhi for separate meetings, showcasing the intricacies of Indian politics.
Despite speculation about potential shifts, Nitish Kumar’s close aide and JDU leader KC Tyagi reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the NDA. Meanwhile, Chandrababu Naidu extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the NDA’s performance in Andhra Pradesh and expressed his willingness for collaborative efforts with the BJP in the state’s development.
However, it’s worth noting that both Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu have previously voiced criticism against Prime Minister Modi and the BJP. Nitish Kumar, in particular, led discussions for forming an opposition front before his last-minute decision to switch alliances, adding layers of complexity to the current political landscape.
Among the prominent leaders flying to the national capital for the crucial meetings are Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and DMK president MK Stalin, representing the INDIA coalition. The NDA contingent includes Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, Eknath Shinde, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Pawan Kalyan, Chirag Paswan, and HD Kumaraswamy, among others.
As political maneuvering intensifies, all eyes are on Delhi as these leaders navigate the intricate web of alliances and negotiations to determine the future course of governance in the nation.