- The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance formed the Union Government for the third successive time after winning the mandate in the recently concluded Parliamentary elections. Of course, the result was unexpected as far as the BJP’s top leadership is concerned since the election campaign narrative preceding the elections was a confident romping home hand down. However, the opposition INDI alliance was also confident of putting up an improved show vis-à-vis returning with more seats than in the previous elections. Ultimately, the result proved the INDI alliance right even though it was far lesser than the NDA’s tally. The BJP also could not get a majority on its own, settling at 240 seats. Not bad by any stretch of the imagination, you see.
PC: The Hindu
- The country is witness to the machinations of the coalition compulsions brought about by the major national party failing to obtain a majority on its own. Thus, the BJP had to bank on the prepoll allies like the TDP and the JD(U) to shore up the numbers to form the government. The Union Government was formed subsequently, and the much-awaited budget presentation too is behind us now. Even before the Union budget was to be presented, the anticipated pitch for the special packages from the TDP and the JD(U) for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar came to the fore in no uncertain terms. The not-so-subtle demand was for announcing a special package for the states. However, the Union government was clear in its refusal by citing that no such rule exists.
- Nonetheless, this did not stop leaders like CM Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar from seeking the necessary allotment of funds for various infrastructure projects running into thousands of crores. As the pitch kept increasing, the Union budget that was unveiled recently appears to have acceded to those demands by allocating substantial funds for varied developmental projects to keep the allies happy. Finance Minister Nirmala Seetharaman has announced a slew of developmental works in these two states with substantial allocation of funds to boot. Yes, the Modi government has a compulsion to handle the allies’ requirements to not only keep the running of the administration smooth but also ensure the party remains in power.
PC: TOI
- With crucial elections in some of the key states lined up later in the year, the budget unveiled has ensured the promises of the BJP’s manifesto of empowering farmers, youth, poor, and women are indeed addressed. As is its wont, the Congress has dubbed the budget as a damp squib by also highlighting that most of the announcements are derived from its manifesto. Expectedly, the NDA allies have hailed the budget as progressive keeping the country’s overall growth in mind. In the same vein, the opposition parties have unequivocally labeled the budget as mere talks lacking in vision. Whatever the case may be, undeniably, the coalition compulsions are behind the budget. Expect more states to gang up and corner the Union Government in the coming days.
