Amid intense negotiations for government formation at the Centre, reports have surfaced that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) are seeking significant concessions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in exchange for their support.
According to media reports, the two parties, which hold the key to the NDA’s ability to form the government, are demanding the prestigious post of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, along with several top ministerial portfolios.
The TDP and JD(U) are reportedly seeking control over crucial ministries such as road transport, rural development, Jal Shakti, housing and urban affairs, education, and finance.
Additionally, the JD(U) has reiterated its demand for a special package for Bihar and is advocating for a nationwide caste census. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, commenting on these developments, questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s previous stance on the caste census being an attempt to “divide the nation in the name of caste.”
The demand for the Speaker’s post is seen as a significant one, as the Speaker plays a crucial role in case of any potential defections, a scenario that cannot be ruled out in a coalition government. Reports suggest that the two parties have already conveyed their desire for the Speaker’s post to be offered to one of the NDA’s alliance partners.
However, it remains unclear whether the TDP and JD(U) will officially raise these demands at the NDA meeting scheduled for Wednesday in New Delhi.
Amidst these developments, TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu confirmed his attendance at the NDA meeting, stating, “We are in NDA. I am going for an NDA meeting.” This statement came amid questions from the media about the reported attempts by the INDIA bloc to reach out to Naidu for forming a government at the Centre.
As the negotiations continue, the demands put forth by the TDP and JD(U) could potentially shape the power dynamics within the NDA coalition and influence the distribution of key positions and ministries in the upcoming government.