Two days after the Lok Sabha election results denied the BJP a clear majority, its NDA allies have begun bargaining for key positions at the Centre. However, the BJP is reportedly unwilling to relinquish critical ministries and roles. As the single largest party falls short of the majority mark, NDA allies face a tight deadline to reach a consensus, with plans to hold the swearing-in ceremony for Narendra Modi's third government this weekend.

Support from four crucial allies is essential for the BJP to secure a majority: N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP with 16 seats, Nitish Kumar's JDU with 12, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena with 7, and Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas with 5. Both Naidu and Kumar, seasoned coalition leaders, have emerged as kingmakers and are demanding significant roles in exchange for their support.

The TDP has sought the Lok Sabha Speaker's post, while the JDU has indicated a desire for a Common Minimum Programme for the NDA government, with hopes that Nitish Kumar will lead a coordination committee to oversee its implementation. However, BJP sources suggest that they are not willing to cede the Speaker's role and may offer the Deputy Speaker post to the TDP instead. The JDU already holds the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman position.

This election marks a shift from the previous Modi governments formed after the 2014 and 2019 elections, which featured only symbolic ally representation due to the BJP's absolute majority. This time, the BJP might have to allocate ministerial positions proportionate to the seats won by each ally.

Despite the need for coalition support, the BJP is reluctant to include allies in four key ministries under the Cabinet Committee on Security: defence, finance, home affairs, and external affairs. Additionally, the BJP aims to retain control of portfolios critical to its infrastructure push, such as road transport and highways, and its welfare agenda, including support for the poor, women, youth, and farmers, as promised by Prime Minister Modi during the campaign.

Two days after the Lok Sabha election results denied the BJP a clear majority, its NDA allies have begun bargaining for key positions at the Centre. However, the BJP is reportedly unwilling to relinquish critical ministries and roles. As the single largest party falls short of the majority mark, NDA allies face a tight deadline to reach a consensus, with plans to hold the swearing-in ceremony for Narendra Modi's third government this weekend.

Support from four crucial allies is essential for the BJP to secure a majority: N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP with 16 seats, Nitish Kumar's JDU with 12, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena with 7, and Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas with 5. Both Naidu and Kumar, seasoned coalition leaders, have emerged as kingmakers and are demanding significant roles in exchange for their support.

The TDP has sought the Lok Sabha Speaker's post, while the JDU has indicated a desire for a Common Minimum Programme for the NDA government, with hopes that Nitish Kumar will lead a coordination committee to oversee its implementation. However, BJP sources suggest that they are not willing to cede the Speaker's role and may offer the Deputy Speaker post to the TDP instead. The JDU already holds the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman position.

This election marks a shift from the previous Modi governments formed after the 2014 and 2019 elections, which featured only symbolic ally representation due to the BJP's absolute majority. This time, the BJP might have to allocate ministerial positions proportionate to the seats won by each ally.

Despite the need for coalition support, the BJP is reluctant to include allies in four key ministries under the Cabinet Committee on Security: defence, finance, home affairs, and external affairs. Additionally, the BJP aims to retain control of portfolios critical to its infrastructure push, such as road transport and highways, and its welfare agenda, including support for the poor, women, youth, and farmers, as promised by Prime Minister Modi during the campaign.