New Delhi, June 14: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is grappling with internal challenges and instability after forming the government with a significantly reduced majority. The BJP’s coalition partners are leveraging the weakened position to assert their influence, leading to a contentious atmosphere within the alliance.
The composition of the Union Council of Ministers reflects the BJP’s lack of an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, falling short by more than 30 seats. This political landscape has made the coalition partners critical to the NDA’s stability. Key ministers such as Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S. Jaishankar retain their previous portfolios, indicating continuity in policy, particularly in defense, home affairs, finance, and external affairs.
Tensions are evident within the coalition, particularly with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Ajit Pawar. The BJP’s offer of a Minister of State position to Praful Patel, which he perceived as a demotion, has been rejected. This refusal underscores the dissatisfaction among some alliance members and hints at possible future discord.
Ajit Pawar’s NCP, a crucial ally in Maharashtra, is already facing criticism for its poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, winning only one seat out of four contested. The internal rift within the NCP, highlighted by contrasting election outcomes between Ajit Pawar’s faction and Sharad Pawar’s group, further complicates the coalition dynamics.
The absence of Muslim representation in the Council of Ministers has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. NCP leader Saleem Sarang has demanded political reservation for Muslims in Maharashtra, emphasizing the community’s exclusion from the central government. Congress leaders have echoed these concerns, warning that such exclusion could damage India’s global image.
Additionally, the NDA faces challenges in appointing the new Lok Sabha Speaker, with opposition parties pushing for candidates from NDA allies JD(U) and TDP. The election for the Speaker, set for June 26, will be a critical test of the NDA’s internal cohesion.
The NDA’s path forward appears fraught with challenges, as coalition partners seek to maximize their influence and opposition parties exploit internal divisions. The stability of Modi’s third term remains uncertain, with the government needing to navigate these complexities to maintain its grip on power.
