TDP Seeks Cabinet Berths in New Government
NDA 
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which secured 16 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, aims to obtain at least two Cabinet positions in the upcoming government, according to party sources speaking to CNN-News18. Party leader Chandrababu Naidu is expected to travel to Delhi early on Friday morning, in preparation for Narendra Modi’s third swearing-in as Prime Minister on Saturday.
Naidu’s Cabinet Aspirations
In 2014, when Naidu was part of the NDA, his party was allotted one Cabinet berth and a Minister of State (MoS) position. Given the significance of TDP’s 16 seats for government formation, Naidu is expected to request a larger share in the government from the BJP, the NDA alliance leader. Additionally, Naidu, whose party achieved a sweeping victory in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, will discuss state government formation with the BJP leadership.
Jana Sena’s Role in the Alliance
Actor-politician Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena, another member of the tripartite NDA alliance in Andhra Pradesh, is also expected to be rewarded for its contribution to the state victory, which ousted Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSRCP from power. The TDP won 16 of the 25 seats in Andhra Pradesh, while its ally BJP secured three seats. The YSRCP was reduced to just four Lok Sabha seats in the state.
Affirmation of Alliance with NDA
During the National Democratic Alliance meeting at Narendra Modi’s residence on Wednesday to discuss the new government formation, Naidu reaffirmed TDP’s commitment to the NDA, questioning how they could contest elections collectively if not part of the alliance. Speaking about the meeting with BJP’s top leadership, Naidu described it as positive and reiterated the TDP’s collective fight within the NDA.
Narendra Modi’s Re-election as NDA Leader
In the meeting, NDA leaders unanimously passed a resolution electing Narendra Modi as their leader.
Naidu’s Oath-Taking Ceremony
Chandrababu Naidu’s swearing-in ceremony is expected to occur on June 12, though party sources indicate it could take place on June 11 or 12, depending on the auspicious date. The TDP, under Naidu’s leadership, achieved a landslide victory by winning 150 out of 175 assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh on June 4, 2024.