In the distribution of Union Cabinet portfolios, the BJP is reportedly holding firm control over crucial ministries like Defence, Finance, Home, and Foreign Affairs. This comes amid deliberations within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as key allies, including Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United (JDU), seek significant positions in the government.

TDP and JDU, which secured 16 and 12 seats respectively, are pushing for key ministries. According to sources, the allies are demanding one minister for every four MPs, with TDP seeking four cabinet berths and JDU pushing for three. Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, with 7 seats, and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), with five seats, each expect two ministries.

Chandrababu Naidu is also eyeing the position of Lok Sabha Speaker, but the BJP appears reluctant to concede this demand. TDP may also demand the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

With the BJP securing 240 seats, 32 short of the halfway mark, the role of these allies is crucial for Modi 3.0. Together, TDP, JDU, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), and LJP command 40 MPs. In previous ministries under PM Modi, where the BJP held a majority, NDA allies did not secure key Cabinet positions. However, the 2024 results indicate a hung assembly without a clear majority for the BJP, suggesting a need for a more proportional distribution of ministries.

Despite the necessity of forming a coalition government, it is unlikely that the BJP will compromise on core ministries. Besides Defence, Finance, Home, and Foreign Affairs, the BJP aims to retain ministries related to infrastructure development, welfare, youth affairs, and agriculture. These portfolios are critical for implementing schemes targeting the poor, women, youth, and farmers.

The BJP has also undertaken major reforms in Railways and road transport under previous NDA governments and does not want to slow down the pace of reforms by giving these ministries to allies. Traditionally, the Railways portfolio was managed by allies, but the BJP brought it back under its control with significant effort.

The BJP may consider giving the Panchayati Raj and Rural Development ministries to JDU, while portfolios like Civil Aviation and Steel could be given to TDP. The charge of Heavy Industries might go to Shiv Sena. NDA allies could also be appointed as Ministers of State in key ministries like Finance and Defence.

Other ministries that could be handed over to allies include tourism, MSME, skill development, science and technology, earth sciences, and social justice and empowerment. If Chandrababu Naidu continues to insist on the Lok Sabha Speaker post, the BJP may try to convince him by offering the Deputy Speaker position.

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