Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu Emerge as Potential Kingmakers as BJP Falls Short of Majority

New Delhi: The outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha election spelt trouble for the BJP, as it fell short of the 272-majority mark with a lead in 241 seats, according to latest Election Commission trends. Despite being the face of the party’s campaign, Narendra Modi’s victory appears narrower this time.

With Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JDU and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu’s parties leading in 14 and 16 seats respectively, they emerge as potential kingmakers. Both had previously opposed PM Modi but allied with the BJP before the elections.

Kumar, dubbed “palturam” for his political shifts, was instrumental in forming the Opposition’s INDIA bloc, though he later withdrew support, causing a predicament for the BJP. Speculation suggests Kumar’s ambition and disagreements over leadership within the INDIA bloc led to his departure.

Naidu, known for his past criticisms of PM Modi, adds another layer of complexity. In 2019, he reportedly referred to Modi as a “hardcore terrorist” in response to a jibe.

As PM Modi grapples with the challenge of securing power without an absolute majority for the first time in decades, the focus shifts to how he will navigate alliances and persuade Kumar and Naidu to remain in the fold for another term.