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With BJP falling short of the majority mark to form a new government alone, TDP and JDU got the opportunity to bargain hard and seek more ministerial berths in Modi’s cabinet.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, both have significant experience from the Coalition era and possess strong negotiation skills and are expected to important ministries to strategically leverage their support. Here’s what is expected.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bihar Chief minister Nitish Kumar was likely to bargain for atleast 5 ministerial berths, central funds, early assembly polls, and special status for Bihar<\/p>\n
People aware of the matter told Hindustan Times, earlier, the JD(U) was promised at least three Cabinet berths and one minister of state (MOS) but the \u00a0is in a better bargaining position now.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are hoping to get at least four Cabinet berths. One more MOS post could be asked for,” said a JD(U) leader.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He further revealed that the party is keen on portfolios such as railways, rural development, and water resources as \u201cthese portfolios will give JD(U) leverage in accelerating development in the state”<\/p>\n
Though TDP is tight-lipped on the negoatiation part, an NDTV report citing TDP sources suggested that the party may ask for plum ministries at the Centre and a preferential status for Andhra Pradesh.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In fact, Naidu in 2016 split with the BJP over the demand of special status for Andhra Pradesh.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) or LJP-RV, which was assured of one berth in the Union Cabinet, was hopeful of getting one state minister berth as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are assured of one berth. A minister of state would be a huge bonus,” said a LJP-RV functionary on condition of anonymity, as reported by Hindustan Times.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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