New Delhi : The Telugu Desam and the United Janata Dal (JDU), two major constituent parties, were engaged in intense negotiations with the BJP on Friday to replace key members of the Union Cabinet in the Modi 3.0 government. Telugu Desam is seeking the position of Speaker of the Lok Sabha along with the Information Technology Ministry, while Janata Dal is vying for the Ministry of Railways. Both factions of Janata Dal are laying claim to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Despite mounting pressure from the constituent parties, the BJP remains steadfast in retaining control over the ministries responsible for infrastructure development across various sectors. This stance is anticipated to complicate the allocation of portfolios. The BJP is resolute in retaining control over the crucial portfolios of home affairs, finance, defense, and foreign relations, with no willingness to compromise on the post of Lok Sabha Speaker.
Telugu Desam may be offered the Deputy Speaker position in the Lok Sabha. Over the past decade, the Modi government has significantly bolstered infrastructure development, and there are plans to further accelerate economic growth in the future. Consequently, assigning portfolios related to road development, railways, port development, information technology, and commerce to the constituent parties is deemed unfeasible.
Additionally, portfolios such as information and broadcasting, social welfare, women and child welfare, sports and youth, agriculture, and others are vital for the effective implementation of public welfare schemes. Minister of State positions in this cabinet may be allocated to Telugu Desam and Janata Dal. Union Ministerial posts in the Ministries of Civil Aviation, Panchayat Raj, Civil Supplies, Small Industries, Heavy Industries, Skill Development, Geology, Labor Welfare, and Science and Technology will be assigned to the constituent parties.
The demand from Shiv Sena's Shinde group for the Ministry of Heavy Industries is likely to be approved. Telugu Desam has requested four ministerial posts while Janata Dal (NC) has sought three Union ministerial positions. Chirag Paswan and the Shinde group are reportedly vying for one Union Ministership each. It is speculated that the allocation formula dictates one Union Minister post for every four MPs. Even though only one MP from Ajit Pawar's faction secured victory, Praful Patel may be appointed as a Union Minister.
Ramdas Athavale may also find a place in the cabinet. However, there are doubts regarding the application of this formula. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has entrusted Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and J. P. Nadda with key responsibilities. These three leaders engaged with the constituent parties' leaders on Thursday. Leaders such as Piyush Goyal, Prahlad Joshi, and Tarun Chugh also participated in these discussions.
Allocation Requirements of Constituent Parties :- Telugu Desam: Lok Sabha Speaker, Road Development, Panchayat Raj, Health, IT, and Education - United Janata Dal: Agriculture, Railways, Panchayat Raj, Rural Development - Janata Dal (Secular): Agriculture, Panchayat Raj, Civil Supplies, Rural Development - Shiv Sena Shinde: Heavy Industry (On Thursday, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar presented the list of winning candidates in the Lok Sabha elections to President Draupadi Murmu in New Delhi.)
