In spite of winning only 240 seats in Lok Sabha, Mr. Narendra Modi managed to become Prime Minister once again with the help of TDP (16 MPs) and JD(U) (12 MPs). It was on the expected lines that the two parties would prefer to join hands with Mr. Modi’s side.
As things are unfolding, the two leaders, Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, are waiting for their favourite moments to strike. There is an uncertainty about when that opportune moment would come for them. There is a lurking fear in the ranks of the BJP and supporting parties about that fearsome moment.
Mr. Naidu has a clear wish list. He wants to realise his dream of restarting the building of Andhra Pradesh’s capital Amravati. It is not known what transpired behind the curtains when Naidu recently met with Modi. But it can be guessed that he would have put his request or demand before Mr. Modi. Naidu has a sophisticated plan for Amravati. There are rumours that he is demanding a hefty sum for his projected futuristic capital with a population of well over one crore. It requires a very big amount which the centre may find it difficult to give in the present time of strained economy. It is believed that a big amount as the first instalment will have to be paid.
Mr. Nitish Kumar is maintaining silence. But it is clear that at the opportune moment, he will press for granting special status to Bihar, which has become an economically very weak state. The budget session of Parliament is starting on July 23. It is to be seen how far the demands of Naidu and Nitish are accommodated.
Events and reports show that Mr. Modi has not yet changed his style of claims and boasts. It is widely observed that he still thinks he is the absolute boss and is in a position to do whatever he wants.
Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand are expected within months. The results in these three states, especially in Maharashtra will decide the future of the central government also.
Another way before Mr. Modi is the games in which he has been an expert. Making alliances with smaller parties and indulging in horse-trading. In the past, it was done with electoral bonds money which now stands fully exposed. There had been multiple resources which had been exploited in the past. Unfortunately, in Indian politics, money and illegal money have been playing a big role. It is an open secret. ED, IT and other agencies had been used against Opposition parties in a big way. It is feared that in future also they would be brazenly used.
In the charged circumstances, the Opposition is immensely invigorated. It is working with greater confidence, courage and a new assertion. It would be very difficult to suppress its newly gained confidence and assertion.
A significant change in the higher judiciary can be noted. Verdicts on electoral bonds, long due bails to Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and some falsely blamed Koregaon accused also are indicators of change in the mood of the judiciary.
In brief, it can be said that if the Modi government does not change its democratic and divisive policies, the Opposition will assert to yield the change for the better. Let that change be construction and people-friendly.