As narendra modi prepares for his likely swearing-in ceremony on the evening of june 9, 2024, intense negotiations are already underway with both Naidu and Nitish. The telugu desam party (TDP), led by Naidu, is reportedly demanding key ministerial positions and the prestigious role of lok sabha speaker. Simultaneously, nitish kumar is pushing for similar demands while also seeking to reverse some of the previous decisions made by the Modi government.
These negotiations have seemingly begun to create friction within the bjp, reflecting the challenges of managing a coalition government where partners hold significant sway. The bjp, which has been accustomed to a more dominant position, now finds itself needing to accommodate the demands of its allies to ensure a stable government. This political churn marks the beginning of what could be a complex and delicate balancing act for Modi’s administration moving forward.
However, each candidate faces challenges. Patil is reportedly dealing with deteriorating vision, which could impede his effectiveness. On the other hand, Mandaviya might lack the stature within the party to take on such a significant role. Nadda, who was seen as a loyal follower of Modi and did not wield much influence within the party, was initially chosen to be a figurehead while Modi and amit shah made key decisions. Under Nadda’s leadership, the bjp suffered defeats in his home state of himachal pradesh and in Karnataka, and he was unable to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha.
Given these circumstances, the party is at a crossroads, debating whether to appoint another figurehead or to choose a leader with the capability to genuinely lead and navigate the bjp through these turbulent times. If the latter approach is taken, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, with his independent leadership credentials, might garner the support of the party's senior leaders despite Modi’s reservations. This decision will be crucial for the BJP’s future strategy and internal dynamics, especially as it faces the current political upheaval and the need to maintain a cohesive front.