With the BJP falling short of a majority in the Lok Sabha, its allies in the NDA have begun negotiating vigorously for key ministries at the Centre. Coalition-era veterans, including N Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, are reported to have presented their demands during the NDA meeting held yesterday. While no official details of their demands have been released, intense negotiations are reportedly underway.
Speculation suggests that Mr. Naidu’s TDP, which secured 16 Lok Sabha seats and swept the Andhra Pradesh Assembly polls, has requested five ministerial positions, including a Minister of State for Finance and the Lok Sabha Speaker’s post. The TDP may also be eyeing portfolios such as Roads, Panchayati Raj, Health, and Education.