Will Modi be a remote-controlled PM or BJP will clandestinely work on increasing its tally?

As the political landscape in India continues to evolve, speculation is growing about the future of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Whether the coalition with TDP and JD (U) will survive and if does how long?
With the BJP currently holding 240 seats in the Lok Sabha, the party is 32 seats shy of the majority mark. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Modi will make an effort to secure a majority of his own by breaking parties and asking smaller ones to merge, or if he will be forced to rely on alliances to maintain his position as prime minister.
Looking at past trends and the political acumen of Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, it seems inevitable that the duo will work strategically to increase the BJP’s numbers and form a majority on their own.
This could involve various tactics, including fostering break-ups in smaller parties or enticing independent members to join their cause. It is clear that Modi and Shah are unlikely to acquiesce to being controlled or influenced by alliance partners such as N Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar.
For Modi and Shah, the goal is to inch as close as possible to the target of 272 seats, which would allow them to continue wielding power in a similar fashion as they have from 2014 to 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed that the third term will be characterized by decisive actions, indicating that a strong and stable government will be crucial to achieving this vision. However, it appears unlikely that the necessary unwavering support will come from alliance partners like Naidu and Nitish Kumar, who have displayed tendencies of political opportunism.
The potential strategies that Modi and Shah may employ to bolster the BJP’s numbers are the subject of much speculation. The use of political maneuvering and coalition building to secure a majority may come into play, as the duo seeks to ensure that they are not beholden to smaller regional parties or independent legislators. Structural changes within existing alliances and the formation of new coalitions could be on the horizon, as the BJP aims to consolidate its power and secure its grip on Indian politics.
The prospect of Modi functioning as a remote-controlled prime minister, reliant on the interests of smaller parties and independent legislators, seems increasingly unlikely. Instead, it is becoming evident that Modi and Shah are determined to chart their own course and secure a majority that allows them to govern without external constraints. This determination reflects a broader shift towards a more assertive and independent leadership style, driven by the imperatives of national governance and policy-making.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on the BJP and its leadership as they strive to cement their position and influence within Indian politics. The interplay of electoral dynamics, coalition politics, and strategic alliances will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the BJP’s efforts to secure a decisive majority. The evolving political landscape presents a compelling narrative of ambition, manoeuvring, and the pursuit of unfettered power, all of which will define the future of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.