Lok Sabha Elections 2024: All About The NDA Allies

India is currently in the midst of a seven-phase general election, with polling dates set for April 19 and 26, May 7, 13, 20, and 25, and concluding on June 1. The Lok Sabha Elections results 2024 will be announced on June 4, determining the composition of the next Lok Sabha and the future leadership of the country.

Aiming to secure a third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has forged strategic alliances with several regional parties across various states. This extensive network of alliances is crucial for the BJP as it contests 430 seats, aiming to maintain or increase its dominance in the 18th Lok Sabha elections. However, for the first time, neither the BJP nor its allies are contesting any seats in Kashmir, including Baramulla, Anantnag-Rajouri, and Srinagar.

The BJP and its current allies hold a commanding 336 seats, while the Opposition coalition, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), has approximately 118 seats. This election will test the strength of both alliances as they vie for control over the legislative agenda and the country's future.

Who are the NDA Allies in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections?

Andhra Pradesh

In Andhra Pradesh, the BJP has allied with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Jana Sena Party (JSP) led by actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan. This coalition aims to contest both the 175 Assembly seats and the 25 Lok Sabha seats. The NDA alliance faces a tough three-way battle against the Congress led by Y.S. Sharmila and her brother Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP).

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, the BJP has teamed up with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Shiv Sena. After extensive negotiations, the seat-sharing arrangement has been finalized: BJP will contest 28 seats, Shiv Sena 15, NCP 4, and Rashtriya Samaj Paksha 1. This coalition, known as Mahayuti, seeks to leverage its combined strength against opposition forces in the state.

Bihar

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar comprises the BJP, Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and Rashtriya Loktantrik Morcha (RLM). The seat-sharing agreement allocates 17 seats to the BJP, 16 to JD(U), and one each to HAM and RLM. Despite internal tensions, such as the resignation of Paswan from his cabinet position, the alliance remains united for the elections.

Assam

In Assam, the BJP continues its alliance with the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). This coalition will contest all 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state, building on their previous electoral successes.

Karnataka

The BJP has allied with the Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] in Karnataka. The JD(S), which secured 18 seats in the 2023 State assembly polls, has been allotted three seats in the 28-seat Lok Sabha contest, with the BJP contesting the remaining 25 seats.

Jharkhand

In Jharkhand, the BJP has partnered with the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU). The BJP will contest 13 seats, while AJSU will contest the Giridih seat, reinforcing their long-standing political partnership.

Uttar Pradesh

In the politically critical state of Uttar Pradesh, the BJP has allied with several regional parties, including Apna Dal (Soneylal), Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), Nirbal Indian Shoshit Hamara Aam Dal (NISHAD), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). This coalition aims to maximize their combined electoral strength in the state's numerous constituencies.

North East Alliances

Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland

For the North East, the BJP has formed alliances with regional parties:

Nagaland: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) for the state's lone seat.
Meghalaya: National People's Party (NPP) for two seats.
Manipur: Naga People's Front (NPF) for one of Manipur's seats, Outer Manipur.

Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, the BJP has allied with several regional parties, including Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) [TMC (M)], Pakkali Makkal Katchi (PMK), and Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMK). Additionally, four other regional parties-Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi, Inthiya Makkal Kalvi Munnetra Kazhagam, Puthiya Needhi Katchi, and Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam-will contest under the BJP's 'Lotus' symbol.

Kerala

In Kerala, the BJP is contesting 16 seats in alliance with the Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), which will contest four seats. This partnership aims to make inroads into a state traditionally dominated by the Left and Congress parties.

Lakshadweep

In Lakshadweep, the BJP is supporting its Maharashtra ally, the NCP candidate T.P. Yousuf, demonstrating the party's strategic alliances extending even to the union territories.