The outcomes of the nation's largest elections are unfolding. The BJP-led NDA is poised to form the government for a third time with 295 seats. In contrast to the 2014 and 2019 election results, the BJP seems to fall short of the magical majority figure. These elections commenced with the N Factor and have presented the same narrative.
How the N Factor was intertwined with this election
From the onset, this election was associated with an N Factor. Excluding Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, no prime minister has been successful three times in a row since independence. PM Modi had the chance to match Nehru's record with these elections.
As the Lok Sabha election results started pouring in, they too highlighted the N Factor—Modi, Nitish, and Naidu. NDA, with Modi at the forefront, seems to be granted the mandate to govern. Recent trends show NDA securing 296 seats, yet BJP seems to be missing the third consecutive chance to form a majority government under Modi.
To equate Nehru by forming the government for a third consecutive time, PM Modi relies on the other two Ns—Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu. The government's fate rests on their parties' inclinations. Janta Dal (United) led by Nitish is projected to gain 14 seats while Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is likely to get 16 seats, both being part of NDA.
Without the N Factor, NDA falls behind majority
Deduct the 30 seats poised to be won by both of these parties from NDA's current 295, and the alliance's count dips to 265—seven short of the magic majority number of 272 seats. Modi's third stint is contingent on the attitude of Nitish Kumar and Naidu. Assessing the situation, both the ruling NDA and the opposition India Block have entered an active mode.
Read more: In Bihar, Nitish Kumar's JD(U) leads on more seats despite contesting fewer than BJP
Prime Minister Modi has personally reached out to TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu. Similarly, Bihar BJP's president and deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary visited CM Nitish Kumar's residence. However, there are reports that Chaudhary didn't meet Nitish, who had met PM Modi in Delhi just a day before.
Read more: 'Nitish Kumar is and will remain in the NDA', declares JD(U) leader KC Tyagi
Post the failed encounter between Chaudhary and Nitish, the rumor mill is abuzz. Amid speculations, RJD claims that Nitish has pronounced he doesn't favor vendetta politics and may take a significant decision. Nonetheless, JD(U) Secretary-General and spokesperson KC Tyagi has affirmed that their party is part of NDA and intends to stay.
