Following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where BJP fell short of a two-thirds majority, NDA and INDIA coalition partners will convene crucial meetings today to gather the necessary support to establish the government.
The BJP-led NDA secured 294 seats in the 543-member Parliament, which is 22 seats more than the crucial figure of 272. On the other hand, the INDIA Opposition bloc managed 234 seats, which is 38 seats less than the majority mark. The TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu and JDU’s Nitish Kumar, both allies of the NDA, are pivotal in deciding the path to power. Although these two leaders contested the general election in alliance with the BJP, INDIA leaders have reportedly approached veteran coalition-era politicians in an effort to persuade them to join the Opposition bloc.
The day after the results, leaders from both the NDA and INDIA alliances are heading to Delhi for discussions on the next steps. Notably, Nitish Kumar, who is known for his history of political shifts, will be on the same flight as Tejashwi Yadav, a leader from the INDIA alliance and RJD. Both Mr. Kumar and Mr. Yadav, who were once allies, will be traveling together on the same plane to Delhi for separate meetings.
Also Read: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Party-Wise Breakdown Of Winners
Yesterday, Nitish Kumar’s close aide and JDU leader KC Tyagi told news agency ANI that the party will remain in the NDA and dismissed any speculation about switching to the INDIA bloc. Meanwhile, the other influential figure, Mr. Naidu, extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the impressive performance of the NDA in Andhra Pradesh. He expressed his intention for the TDP and BJP to collaborate in rebuilding the state together.
However, it’s important to note that both of these leaders have been vocal critics of Prime Minister Modi and the BJP in the past. In fact, Nitish Kumar led discussions for forming an opposition front to challenge the BJP before his last-minute decision to switch alliances.
Among the INDIA leaders flying to the national capital for the crucial meeting are Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and DMK president MK Stalin. Leaders from the Left parties will also be in attendance at the meeting.
As for the NDA, Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu are flying in. Also traveling are Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Hindustani Awam Morcha chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, LJP leader Chirag Paswan, and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy.
