Buoyed by the performance in the Lok Sabha elections, the INDI alliance is leaving no stone unturned in denting the chances of the PM Modi-led BJP forming the government at the Centre and has approached NDA allies – the JD(U) and TDP – who can turn out to be potential kingmakers.
As per Election Commission trend so far, the BJP is struggling to secure a majority on its own, leading in 239 seats and winning two.
The INDI bloc sees an opportunity to hurt the saffron party by offering lucrative offers to NDA allies – the TDP and JD(U) – who have performed reasonably well in the Lok Sabha elections.
This unexpected development has left political analysts and the public speculating about the formation of the next government.
According to Lokmat Times, citing reports, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar dialed JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and requested them to join the INDIA bloc.
The calls were made on Tuesday afternoon after the election results showed a tight contest between the NDA and INDIA bloc, with NDA having a slight edge over the opposition alliance.
Reports stated that Pawar offered Nitish Kumar the deputy prime minister’s post if he joins the INDIA bloc.
Naidu has been promised special status for Andhra Pradesh, a longstanding demand.
According to the report, there is, however, no clarity on what the two leaders have told Pawar.
According to India.com, Naidu has reportedly held talks with Nitish Kumar, possibly urging him to rejoin the INDIA bloc.
At the same time, Naidu reportedly also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah and congratulated them on the NDA winning majority in the Lok Sabha.
The performance put up by Naidu’s party in the Lok Sabha elections will make him an important player nationally, at a time when the BJP looks unlikely to cross the majority mark by itself.
He is also set to return as chief minister months after he was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh CID in connection with an alleged scam in the AP Skill Development Corporation during his last tenure.
However, contrary to media reports, Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said that he had not spoken to Nitish Kumar or Chandrababu Naidu.
He said that the INDI alliance leaders will meet in Delhi on Wednesday to decide the future course of action while also stating that the opposition bloc was not likely to form the government.
”I spoke to Mallikarjun Kharge and Sitaram Yechury. The INDIA alliance meeting is likely to be held in Delhi tomorrow. Final decision is expected to be taken by this evening. Accordingly, I will be in Delhi,” Pawar said at a press conference.
To a question who would be the next prime minister, Pawar said, ”We have not given it a thought.
”I am not sure if the INDIA alliance can form government. We will meet tomorrow and take a decision unanimously on the future course of action,” he added.
With inputs from agencies
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Naidu to Shah, Pawar to Nitish: Phones are ringing now… who called whom and for what
