New Delhi, June 05: In the recently concluded 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 240 seats, falling short of the 272-seat majority needed to form the government independently. The Congress party managed to win 99 seats.
This outcome has placed significant attention on BJP’s alliance partners, particularly the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), who are pivotal for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to maintain a stable government.
Key Political Movements
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his political adversary, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, travelled together to Delhi for an important political meeting. This unusual occurrence, with both leaders on the same chartered flight—Nitish Kumar for an NDA meeting and Tejashwi Yadav for an INDIA Alliance meeting—has stirred considerable speculation and raised eyebrows in political circles.
Nitish Kumar’s Political Shifts
Nitish Kumar has a reputation for frequently shifting his political stance. In 2022, he severed ties with the NDA and joined the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, expressing frustrations with the BJP’s treatment of the JD(U) and insufficient representation of Bihar in the central cabinet.
By January 2024, Kumar had once again realigned with the NDA, citing dissatisfaction with the performance of the opposition bloc INDIA and his former deputy, Tejashwi Yadav. BJP leaders welcomed his return, emphasizing their historical alliance and expressing optimism for Bihar’s future development under this renewed collaboration.
Implications and Speculations
This political maneuvering has significant implications for the stability and future of both the NDA and the opposition alliances. Kumar’s frequent shifts in allegiance have prompted questions about the reliability and durability of political partnerships. The visual of Kumar and Yadav together en route to Delhi has only added to the intrigue, suggesting potential behind-the-scenes negotiations or alliances that could reshape the political landscape.
Who will form the Government at the Centre?
As the BJP grapples with its shortfall in the Lok Sabha, the roles of JD(U) and TDP become crucial. Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA, after his brief stint with the opposition, highlights the fluid nature of political alliances in India. With key meetings underway in Delhi, the political strategies and alignments formed in the coming days will be critical in determining the next government’s structure and stability. All eyes remain on these developments as they unfold, impacting the broader narrative of Indian politics.
 secured 240 seats, falling short of the 272-seat majority needed to form the government independently. The Congress party managed to win 99 seats.){kind=link}