The 2024 Lok Sabha elections have heightened the significance of Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, whose parties are leading in 30 seats combined (TDP with 16 and JDU with 14) in their respective states, making their roles pivotal in forming the new government. Although both are allies within the NDA, there are reports that the India bloc is also courting them.
In Andhra Pradesh, Naidu's political dominance was evident as the TDP won 133 out of the 175 seats in the state assembly, ensuring his fourth term as the chief minister.
Both Nitish and Naidu have played crucial roles in past government formations. Naidu served as the convener for the United Front during the coalition government led by H.D. Deve Gowda in 1996. In the 1999 elections, he extended his support to the NDA, aiding A.B. Vajpayee in forming the government.
Naidu parted ways with the NDA in 2018, blaming PM Narendra Modi for not granting special status to Andhra Pradesh. His political fortunes were revived when Pawan Kalyan announced a coalition with Naidu for the next election, even when Naidu was in jail. Kalyan also brought the BJP into the alliance with Naidu, significantly boosting his political standing.
Naidu's stance in the next five years will be crucial for any central government. Similarly, Nitish Kumar, a veteran of coalition politics, is key to the NDA bloc. Kumar, who reportedly aspired to be the convener of the India bloc—an alliance he helped form against Modi—switched sides when he was overlooked for the position. Kumar is known for his strategic alignments whenever he feels sidelined or threatened. Keeping Kumar satisfied is essential for the NDA.
As part of the pre-poll alliance, Naidu and Nitish are among the NDA's most significant allies, collectively commanding 30 seats.
Both chief ministers are also known for demanding special status for their states and have maintained strongholds in their respective regions. Their influence in Delhi is set to grow in the coming days.