Chandrababu Naidu, Nitish Kumar Eye These Key Posts In Modi Cabinet

A day after the announcement of the Lok Sabha Election 2024, both TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu and JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar extended their support to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). With the support of its two alliance partners, the NDA crossed the majority mark of 272 seats and is set to form the government this weekend.

While the BJP fell short of numbers with 240 seats in the Lok Sabha, the NDA needs the support of its allies — Telugu Desam Party and Janata Dal (United) — to stake a claim to form government at the Centre. Therefore, the most important question is: “What portfolios and ministries do the TDP and JDU have their eyes on?”

As Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar on Wednesday met NDA leaders in New Delhi to discuss the formation of a new government, sources said that the leaders were expected to bargain for crucial positions in the new Union Cabinet.

TDP & JD(U)’s Possible Demands

According to various reports, TDP is negotiating for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker keeping the Speaker’s crucial role in view of the anti-defection law. The Speaker’s post move is likely to protect the alliance partners from any possible split in the future. Additionally, it is being speculated that Naidu might ask for more than two Cabinet berths from the saffron camp.

However, top sources in TDP told CNN-news18 that as of now the party hasn’t put any demand in front of the BJP about any portfolio or even the position of Lok Sabha Speaker. The TDP sources have informed that the party will take “one step at a time”.

Meanwhile, JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar is likely to ask for top berths, including agriculture, for his party’s MPs, sources informed. JD(U) reportedly wants two Cabinet berths as the BJP needs the support of its allies to return to power. It is speculated that the Bihar Chief Minister might ask for either Railways, Agriculture or Industries Ministries.

Apart from this, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Pawan are also asking for one ministry each.