The NDA has initiated the process of forming the government for the third time under the leadership of Narendra Modi at the center. During the NDA parliamentary party meeting in Delhi on Friday (07 June), all constituent parties expressed their support for PM Modi. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and TDP President Chandrababu Naidu also reaffirmed their commitment to working under Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Following the meeting, a letter of support for Narendra Modi was sent to Her Excellency President Draupadi Murmu on behalf of the NDA, and subsequently, the President handed over the appointment letter to Narendra Modi. President Murmu has requested information from Narendra Modi regarding the members who will be joining his Council of Ministers, leading to increased discussions on the composition of Modi Cabinet 3.0.
Reports suggest that due to BJP not securing a clear majority, the number of ministers from the BJP quota may decrease while the number of ministers from NDA allies could increase. Some parties have been identified from which ministers may be appointed based on insider information. It is rumored that TDP may receive one ministerial position, 2 ministers of state, and the deputy speaker post. However, TDP is pushing for 2 ministerial positions and a ministers of state post. It is speculated that 3-time MP from Srikakulam Lok Sabha constituency, Ram Mohan Naidu, may be appointed as a minister from TDP.
Sources indicate that Bihar’s representation in the Modi cabinet may see an increase this time. BJP holds 12 out of the total 40 seats in Bihar, while JDU, led by Nitish Kumar, also has 12 seats. Chirag Paswan’s LJP-Ram Vilas has 5 MPs, and Jitan Ram Manjhi has won the election from Gaya seat. According to sources, JDU may receive 3 ministerial positions based on the formula of one ministry for every 4 MPs. Chirag Paswan is expected to become a minister from LJP-Ram Vilas, and Jitan Ram Manjhi may also be appointed as a minister.
Sources have indicated that the JDU is also vying for the position of Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Previously, Harivansh Narayan Singh from the JDU held this position. Lalan Singh and KC Tyagi from the JDU could potentially be appointed as ministers in the Modi cabinet. Additionally, JDU’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha may also be considered for a ministerial role. However, the final decision rests with Nitish Kumar. It is speculated that if there is a demand for 1 minister for every 4 MPs, then TDP, with 16 seats, could request four ministerial positions. Similarly, JDU, with 12 seats, could request 3 ministerial posts.
In this scenario, Eknath Shinde, with 7 MPs, and Chirag Paswan, with 5 MPs, would also anticipate 2 ministries each. According to sources, despite any difficulties faced by the BJP, they are unwilling to allocate the Home Ministry, Finance Ministry, Defense Ministry, and Foreign Ministry to their allies under any circumstances. Furthermore, they are not inclined to relinquish control of the Railways and Road Transport portfolios to anyone else.