With BJP falling short of majority, Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu return as kingmakers
New Kingmakers in Indian Politics: Modi’s Dependence on Regional Allies
Two seasoned politicians are now pivotal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ability to govern, but their secular stance contrasts sharply with his Hindu-nationalist vision.
Veteran Politicians Hold the Key
After his first two triumphant national elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had little difficulty setting his political agenda, as his Bharatiya Janata Party (B.J.P.) secured decisive majorities. However, the latest election results have left Modi reliant on coalition partners, particularly two regional political veterans, to sustain his government.
The National Democratic Alliance, led by the B.J.P., is now a coalition of over a dozen parties. Most of these parties secured only a handful of seats, complicating Modi’s efforts to form a stable government. On Wednesday, the B.J.P. announced a coalition government including the Telugu Desam Party (T.D.P.) and Janata Dal-United (J.D.U.), positioning these parties as the largest junior partners. Both parties, however, are staunchly secular and do not align with Modi’s Hindu-first ideology.
Naidu and Kumar: The New Power Brokers
N. Chandrababu Naidu of the T.D.P. and Nitish Kumar of the J.D.U. are the politicians whose support is now crucial. Their combined 28 seats in Parliament provide the necessary votes for Modi to maintain power and advance his policies. Cameras closely tracked their every move and statement, highlighting their newfound influence.
Naidu and Kumar’s parties are notable for their moderate, secular views, diverging significantly from the B.J.P.’s hard-line stance. The current political speculation revolves around what demands these leaders have set for their support, likely focusing on pragmatic concessions rather than ideological alignment. Both Naidu and Kumar are known for their pragmatic, deal-oriented approach, often prioritizing practical benefits for their states or key cabinet positions over ideological commitments.
A History of Political Flexibility
Both Naidu and Kumar have a history of shifting political alliances. Kumar has frequently switched his allegiance between the B.J.P. and its rivals over the past decade. His most recent political maneuvering saw him rejoin the B.J.P.-led coalition in January, just 18 months after leaving it, citing the best interests of his state, Bihar, as the reason for his decisions.
Similarly, Naidu has severed ties with the B.J.P. in the past, notably in 2018, when he joined forces with the Indian National Congress, the B.J.P.’s main competitor, ahead of the 2019 elections. Naidu has described his current alignment with the B.J.P. as driven by “political compulsion.”
Resilient Leaders in a Tough Arena
Naidu and Kumar are not newcomers to the rough and tumble of Indian politics. Both have been active for decades and have even been considered potential prime ministerial candidates. Naidu, a technocrat from Andhra Pradesh, has championed investment from information technology companies, transforming Hyderabad into a tech hub and creating numerous high-paying jobs.
Kumar, on the other hand, is a nine-time chief minister of Bihar, India’s poorest state, with roots in a socialist political tradition. He has advocated for greater support for low-caste Hindus and has broadened the B.J.P.’s appeal in Bihar through his alliances.
As Modi navigates the complexities of coalition politics, the influence of Naidu and Kumar is undeniable. Their ability to negotiate and their seasoned political acumen will play a critical role in shaping the future of India’s government and its policies.
#IndianPolitics #ModiGovernment #RegionalParties #CoalitionPolitics #SecularLeadership