The day after the 2024 Lok Sabha election results, leaders from both the NDA and INDIA alliances are heading to Delhi for crucial discussions. With no party securing an absolute majority, these meetings are vital for determining the future government. Sources suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi might take the oath for his third term on Saturday.
The BJP-led NDA secured 294 seats, surpassing the majority mark of 272. However, the INDIA Opposition bloc managed to win 234 seats, falling short by 38 seats. The role of NDA allies, particularly TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu and JDU’s Nitish Kumar, has become pivotal. Both leaders, having contested the election in alliance with the BJP, are now being courted by the INDIA bloc, which needs their support to form a majority government.
On the day following the election results, Nitish Kumar and INDIA ally RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav were seen traveling on the same flight to Delhi, sparking speculation. Visuals showed Yadav sitting directly behind Kumar, and later, another visual showed them sitting next to each other. This fueled rumors about potential political shifts, despite assurances from Nitish Kumar’s aide, KC Tyagi, that the JDU would remain in the NDA.
Chandrababu Naidu, another key player, congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the NDA’s performance in Andhra Pradesh, expressing his commitment to rebuilding the state with the BJP. Despite past criticisms of Modi and the BJP, both Naidu and Kumar’s decisions will significantly influence the political landscape.
The INDIA bloc is also gearing up for a decisive meeting in Delhi, with leaders like Akhilesh Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, MK Stalin, Abhishek Banerjee, and various Left leaders expected to attend. Their objective is to strategize and potentially secure the support of unaligned MPs to achieve a majority.
Similarly, the NDA’s meeting in Delhi will see attendance from leaders like Eknath Shinde, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Pawan Kalyan, Chirag Paswan, and HD Kumaraswamy. Their discussions will likely focus on consolidating their alliance and addressing the challenges posed by the INDIA bloc.
As the political maneuvering continues, the focus remains on the critical roles of Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu. Their decisions could tip the balance, determining the formation and stability of the next government.
