As the final results of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 are set to complete with no party able to attain the minimum number of 272, both the BJP and the Congress have begun talks with other parties for a coalition government.
Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) in Bihar and Chandrababu Naidu of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh have emerged as the kingmakers of the Lok Sabha elections. Reports suggest that both the INDIA bloc and the NDA are in touch with these respective leaders to pursue forming the government.
Reports indicate that BJP leaders have reached out to key figures such as Chandrababu Naidu of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal (United) in a bid to shore up their numbers.
Simultaneously, the INDIA bloc, buoyed by a strong performance in the polls, is also making strides towards government formation. Led by the Congress party, the INDIA alliance is actively courting the support of Naidu and Kumar, recognizing their pivotal roles in shaping the future political landscape.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has reached out to Chandrababu Naidu, emphasizing the critical importance of his support in the current scenario. On the other hand, leaders of the INDIA front, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, have also initiated dialogue with Naidu and Kumar, aiming to bolster their coalition's strength.
The potential inclusion of Naidu's TDP and Kumar's JD(U) could bolster the INDIA front's seat count, potentially tipping the scales in their favour. Sources suggest that discussions are underway to explore the possibility of accommodating Nitish Kumar in a prominent role within the INDIA front, with Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee even proposing his name for the position of Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, speculation abounds regarding the formation of the next government, with both alliances engaged in intense negotiations and backroom dealings to secure the necessary support. With the INDIA front currently leading in 232 seats and the possibility of additional gains through alliances, the stage is set for a high-stakes political showdown in the days to come.