Summary:The NDA alliance is convening to finalize cabinet positions, with Nitish Kumar and C Naidu aspiring for significant roles. TDP and JDU are leveraging their seats to secure ministerial berths. While negotiations are ongoing, BJP seems reluctant to concede key portfolios. Prime Minister Modi will lead the meeting, followed by government formation and a grand swearing-in ceremony attended by regional leaders.
TDP is reportedly seeking five cabinet posts, including parliamentary speaker, while JDU aims for significant portfolios like railways and rural development. Both Naidu and Kumar, seasoned coalition leaders, have engaged in discussions with their respective party members ahead of the crucial meeting.
However, BJP seems reluctant to accommodate allies in critical ministries like defence, finance, home affairs, and external affairs. They are also intent on retaining portfolios pivotal to their infrastructure and welfare initiatives.
These negotiations harken back to pre-2014 coalition dynamics, highlighting the return of alliance bargaining for positions and benefits.
Prime Minister Modi will chair the NDA meeting, expected to formalize his leadership within the alliance. Subsequently, he plans to meet President Droupadi Murmu to stake his claim for government formation, followed by an elaborate swearing-in ceremony on Sunday.
The event will witness the presence of several South Asian leaders, with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe already confirming attendance. Invitations have also been extended to Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth, signifying a regional outreach in the inauguration proceedings.