No guarantee of completing five years; double engine to lead Modi again

NEW DELHI: 'Double Engine Government’, this was the label Modi gave for his own government, but now it has turned against him. The NDA, which barely got the expected majority in the Lok Sabha elections, can now form a government and move forward only if unites with Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party and Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal United (JDU). If the NDA government is formed, they will be the double engines propelling the third Modi government forward. Since they do not have a single majority, Modi and his allies will have to give in to all their pressure tactics. This means that the going of the third government will not be so smooth.

The BJP brought them to the NDA front right before the elections due to various reasons. The opposition is also trying to form the government by bringing them to their old centre. Nitish is yet to open his mind even though both sides keep making promises. The silence of Nitish, who has a record of political coups, is a serious concern for the NDA. Chandrababu Naidu is not far behind even though he will not join Nitish in the coup. The opposition knows very well that if they are brought together to form the government, the progress will not be smooth. However, political observers assess that they may be ready to compromise to keep Modi and his aides away from power.

Quick efforts to form the cabinet are underway in the national capital. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, one of the main allies in India's alliance and Nitish Kumar of the opposition camp are going to Delhi to attend the meetings in the same flight. The news circulating is that it is a sign of the journey ahead. But both have not responded to this.

The NDA has 294 seats and only 272 are enough for majority. BJP is the largest party with 240 seats. The BJP's desire to win absolute majority alone and decide everything on their own has been blocked by the people. The move to form government is active believing to bring Chandrababu in India Alliance with 237 seats and Nitish Kumar with them.

It is hinted that the two will attend the NDA's crucial meet that will be held today at 4:00 pm. After the meet, Modi is likely to meet the President today and stake claim. The TDP has 16 seats and JD-U has 12 seats. Others have won in 12 seats. The deputy Prime Minister post is offered to Nitish Kumar and the NDA convenor post to Naidu. The meet of leaders of India Front under the leadership of Congress will also be convened.

The win of India Alliance in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana was a blow for the BJP. They fell from 62 to 33 in Uttar Pradesh. A major decrease was seen in the majority of Modi in Varanasi and that of Rajnath in Lucknow.

The Congress’ seats increased from 52 in 2019 to 99 seats. In UP, Akhilesh's Samajwadi Party garnered 37 seats and showed strength. Rahul Gandhi has a record majority in both his constituencies Rae Bareli along and Wayanad. Trinamool Congress has dominated Bengal with 29 seats. Siva Sena of Maha Vikas Aghadi with Congress in Maharashtra (Uddhav, 9), NCP (Sharad Pawar,7) also showed strength. India swept under the leadership of DMK (21) in Tamil Nadu. The BJP showed their strength in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh.