BREAKING: NDA Likely to Stake Claim Today, If 'Kingmakers' Nitish, Naidu Agree

New Delhi: If Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar agree to the alliance, leaders from various NDA constituents, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to meet the President later in the day to stake claim to form the government. The list of attendees includes BJP President JP Nadda, Rajnath Singh, Chandrababu Naidu, Nitish Kumar, Eknath Shinde, Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Praful Patel. Besides, Jayant and Anupriya Patel are also part of the delegation. Meanwhile, a key meeting for government formation is underway at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence.    

Although the NDA has enough seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the 543-member Lok Sabha, the BJP finds itself below the magic number for the first time since 2014. This means the BJP now relies heavily on its allies to form the government.  

Naidu's Probable List of Demands

Insiders within the TDP suggest that apart from participating in the government formation process, Chandrababu Naidu is also anticipated to push for several significant portfolios within Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet. There's speculation that he might seek the Speaker's post. Furthermore, Naidu seems keen on elevating his son, Nara Lokesh, who recently secured his first victory in the Assembly elections from Mangalagiri, to a national-level position. 

Besides, he is s gearing up once again to prioritize the demand for Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh, an issue that prompted his party's exit from the NDA alliance in 2018.

What Nitish Wants?

Reports suggest that Kumar is aiming for four to five Cabinet positions. Originally promised three Cabinet berths and one minister of state before the election results, he now seeks a higher share. 

Favoring early assembly polls to capitalize on JD(U) and NDA's popularity after securing 30 out of Bihar’s 40 Lok Sabha seats, Kumar also eyes an increased allocation of central funds for the Bihar Laghu Udhyami Yojana. 

Besides, JD(U) leader K C Tyagi said that the party's strong demand for special status, now amplified as JD(U) emerges as a key NDA ally at the Centre.