Omar Abdullah 'Bets' Lok Sabha Speaker Will Be From BJP, Calls Allies' Cabinet Berth 'Leftovers'

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has criticised the BJP for allocating "leftover" portfolios to its NDA partners, asserting that the saffron party has not left any meaningful ministries for its allies.

Abdullah's remarks, made on X, reflect the ongoing tensions within the NDA, especially as its partners demand a fair share of quota in the newly-inducted Cabinet.

Abdullah pointed out that despite the allies pressing for their fair share, their influence in the power corridors appears minimal, as evidenced by the portfolios they received. He further predicted that BJP would retain the Lok Sabha Speaker position as well, reports Live Mint.

"For all the talk about the NDA partners pressing for their fair share in the Modi 3.0 ministry, they obviously don't have much sway in the corridors of power. The portfolios given to the allies are the leftovers because the BJP hasn't left anything meaningful for them. You can bet your bottom dollar the post of Speaker Lok Sabha will stay with the BJP as well," he posted.

This dissatisfaction is particularly evident in Maharashtra, where CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP have expressed frustration over not being given a Cabinet position. The NCP declined an offer for a Minister of State (MoS) with independent charge, instead insisting for a Cabinet berth for Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel, citing his extensive experience.

Additionally, Abdullah has criticised the NDA for the lack of minority representation among its elected MPs in the recent general elections. According to a report he referenced, the NDA, which won 293 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha, has no Muslim, Christian, or Sikh MPs. In contrast, the Opposition's INDIA bloc has 7.9% Muslim, 3.5% Christian, and 5% Sikh MPs.

"It's not just the BJP, the NDA is Muslim mukth, Christian mukth, Buddhist mukth, Sikh mukth and yet the government will claim to represent 140 crore Indians," Omar had said in a post on X.