New Delhi: In an attempt to woo the voters ahead of the next election, the new National Democratic Alliance government might give special consideration to those states, including Kerala, that did not elect an NDA or BJP candidate.
After the NDA stormed into victory in the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said – “We stand with those who trusted us and also for those whose trust we have to win over.” Modi’s statement hints at party’s focus on states where BJP did not do well in LS polls.
The BJP failed to convert support in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to victories. The focus is now on these states.
Kerala might get a minister in the first phase. Other states are likely to get ministers during the next phase of expansion.
The Kerala puzzle
The party leadership was confident of opening account in Kerala this time. Party chief Amit Shah had claimed that the BJP would win five seats and the party had hopes on at least two. Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam, who contested from Ernakulam, might get another chance in the ministry. He is currently a Rajya Sabha member.
The BJP is pinning its hopes on the bypolls soon to be held in Kerala. Their next target would be the 2021 assembly polls.
Telangana, Odisha
The party that suffered a humiliating defeat in the Telangana Assembly polls was able to register victory in the LS polls. The victory in four seats was also a recognition for party national executive committee member PK Krishnadas who is from Kerala.
One of the newcomers from Telangana is likely to become a Minister of State.
The BJP also won eight seats in Odisha in a tightly fought contest with the BJD. Names of senior leader Jual Oram and all-India secretary Suresh Pujari are also doing the rounds.
Bengal
The BJP was able to secure victory in 18 seats in West Bengal. It now eyes the assembly polls in the Trinamool Congress-ruled state. At least four MPs from Bengal could be included in the ministry. National executive member Arvind Menon, a Keralite, had played a crucial role in BJP's victory in Bengal.
Crucial states
The BJP was able to better its results in Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. The party also let JD(U) contest in its sitting seats in Bihar, scripting another winning formula. Another sparkling victory was to overcome the grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) in Uttar Pradesh. Modi has already said that he would not let go off states that backed the BJP.
Allies
The NDA allies are not in a position to bargain for ministers as the BJP secured enough numbers to form the government on its own. With the BJP eyeing the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls, Shiv Sena is likely to get three ministers. Nitish Kumar's JD(U) has an eye on the railway ministry. LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan might make way for his son.
BJP to get majority in Rajya Sabha too
The BJP would get majority in the Rajya Sabha by next year, helping the party in smooth passage of legislations. The party would have more than half the number in the 245-member Rajya Sabha by 2020.
By next November, 75 new Rajya Sabha members will be elected. The BJP has the strength to elect 19 members from UP, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Assam and Meghalaya.
Currently, the BJP has 101 members in the Upper House of the Parliament.
