As both the TDP( with Janasena) and JDU extended complete support to the NDA alliance led by Bharatiya Janata party, Narendra Modi is all set to take oath as the Prime Minister for the third consecutive term. A grand swearing-in ceremony will be held on Sunday when Modi and his new council of ministers will take oath. Several dignitaries from neighbouring countries along with the party heads of the NDA allies have been invited for this event.
Meanwhile, the sharing of cabinet berths between the alliance parties seems to have been finalized. It is a known fact Chandra Babu Naidu of TDP and JDU president Nitish Kumar played a significant role in making sure that the NDA retains power despite the BJP falling short of the majority required to form the government alone. So, both these regional parties have reportedly demanded adequate representation in the Modi’s cabinet this time.
Unconfirmed yet reliable reports suggest that TDP is likely to get 4 ministers and the JDU will have 2 ministers in the new government. Sources revealed that two TDP MPs will get direct cabinet ministries and two more will be named as Minsters for state. Srikakulam MP Ram Mohan Naidu(TDP) and Janasena MP from Machilipatnam Balasouri are the forerunners to get ministries. The suspense on the other two names continues. Senior JDU leaders Lalan Singh and Ramnath Thakur are likely to make the cut in the list of ministers in Modi’s cabinet.
Besides seeking ministries, the TDP and Janasena leaders have reportedly demanded various key aspects relating to the development of the state. A dedicated railway zone and special category status are said to be the ones which are proposed before the BJP before extending support for NDA. However, there is no news yet on what the BJP has offered to the TDP – Janasena and the JDU.
While the BJP won 240 seats, the TDP – Janasena combine secured 18 seats and the JDU won 14 seats. In Andhra Pradesh, the BJP won 3 seats as part of NDA alliance. Sp, it remains to be seen if the Modi’s cabinet will see any of these three MPs holding a significant portfolio. AP BJP president Purandeswari will most likely be preferred by the high command.
