Following the surprising Lok Sabha election results, the NDA meeting in Delhi tonight will determine the next steps. Despite speculations that the Opposition may try to sway JDU and TDP, both parties have affirmed their commitment to the NDA. With BJP falling short of the majority mark, the support of JDU and TDP, along with other allies, is crucial.
Experienced in negotiations, Mr. Naidu and Mr. Kumar are aware of the value of their support. While JDU has hinted at its expectations, TDP has remained silent. JDU has expressed interest in special status for Bihar and a caste census, but clarified that these are not conditions for their support. Their support remains unconditional, but they hope for initiatives to address Bihar’s issues.
Interestingly, the issue of caste census has been a prominent topic raised by the Opposition bloc in INDIA in the lead-up to this election. Prior to Nitish Kumar’s recent change of stance, his coalition government with RJD and Congress had also conducted a caste survey in Bihar. Mr Tyagi emphasized that Narendra Modi has never opposed a nationwide caste census and that it is necessary at this time.
Regarding Mr Naidu, there is limited clarity on what he may request from the BJP leadership. TDP sources suggest that the party may seek important ministries at the Centre. Another significant issue that may arise in the negotiations is the preferential status for Andhra Pradesh. In fact, it was a disagreement over the demand for special status that led Mr Naidu to part ways with the BJP in 2016.
For the TDP chief, who has secured a resounding victory and returned to power in Andhra Pradesh, the task ahead is clear. The party’s overwhelming mandate was based on a promise to rebuild the state and develop a capital city. Mr Naidu, often referred to as the first CEO Chief Minister due to his efforts in promoting business ease and urban development, must ensure that he fulfills his commitments, especially to secure his son Nara Lokesh’s political future.
Currently, both the TDP and JDU emphasize their firm support for the NDA. However, when the two key players are N Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, no possibility can be completely ruled out.