Election 2024: Will Uddhav Thackeray Return To NDA?
PM Modi-led NDA to form government again with 293 MPs, possible additional support debated.
The PM Modi-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) is all set to form the government for the third time with the support of 293 MPs. Rumours are circulating that more parties, both from the INDI Alliance and others, may join the NDA. A message on social media claims that the NDA is getting support from 10 more MPs, including 7 independents and 3 from smaller parties.
However, the likelihood of all 7 independents supporting the NDA, and the NDA accepting their support, is doubtful. These 7 independents include a Kashmiri separatist, 2 Khalistani separatists, and a politician with a criminal history.
The two Khalistanis from Punjab are Amritpal Singh and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa. Amritpal Singh is currently in jail in Assam, arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) and other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa is the son of Beant Singh, who was responsible for the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi.
The third independent MP is Abdul Rashid Sheikh, who defeated Omar Abdullah in Baramulla. Sheikh is a Kashmiri leader who was arrested on charges of terror funding activities in 2019.
Another independent MP is Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, who has a criminal past. He is accused in cases of kidnapping and rioting and has a murder case pending against him in the Supreme Court.
Given these circumstances, it is unlikely that all 4 of these independent MPs will get support from the NDA. Additionally, it is uncertain if Amritpal Singh and Abdul Rashid Sheikh will be able to secure bail to attend parliament.
Therefore, there are only 3 independents, Umesh Babubhai Patel, Vishal Prakashbapu Patil, and Mohmad Haneefa, who may or may not be accepted by the NDA.
So far, the only party not part of the NDA before the elections, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha with 1 MP, has extended support to the NDA.
This means only the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) in Mizoram with 1 MP, the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab with 1 MP, and the Voice of the People Party (VPP) with 1 MP from Meghalaya could potentially support the NDA.
Therefore, from other parties and independents, the NDA can expect a maximum of 6 MPs, not 10 as per the rumours.
There is also speculation about current INDI Alliance partners changing sides to join the NDA. However, there are no reports confirming this as of now.
Reports suggest that Uddhav Thackeray might join the NDA after the election results, but Thackeray himself has stated that he will not join the NDA.
As per the rules, PM Modi has submitted his resignation to the President, who has accepted it. It is now being reported that PM Modi is expected to take the oath on the 8th or 9th of June 2024 for his third term as Prime Minister of India.
