Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin his third term in office, but the duration of his tenure may be determined by two regional politicians who have suddenly found themselves in the national spotlight following the surprising results of the recent general election.
N Chandrababu Naidu, the chief minister-elect of Andhra Pradesh, and Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar, are now being referred to as “kingmakers” after Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party failed to secure a majority in the lower house of parliament.
With the BJP winning 240 seats and the National Democratic Alliance, led by Modi, securing 293 seats, the support of Naidu and Kumar, who lead the largest parties after the BJP, is crucial for Modi to retain power. If both were to withdraw their support, the alliance’s majority would be at risk.
This unexpected turn of events has transformed the political landscape in India, forcing Modi to navigate the complexities of coalition politics. Analysts describe Kumar as a shrewd political operator who has previously switched sides between India’s main political camps.
As the new power dynamics unfold in New Delhi, speculation is rife about the potential demands and roles that Naidu and Kumar’s parties may seek in the new government. The order in which members of Modi’s cabinet are sworn in on Saturday may provide clues about the distribution of ministerial positions.
The influence of these regional leaders is expected to not only impact Modi’s cabinet but also shape his governing style. As the nation awaits the formation of the new government, all eyes are on Naidu and Kumar as they hold the key to Modi’s political future.