Prime Minister Narendra Modi has retained all crucial positions for the BJP including Home, Defence, Finance and External Affairs. Now, Naidu and Kumar will focus on special status for their states -- AP and Bihar -- that may provide them flow of funds for growth and development. But that too is unlikely in the name of special status to these states. They might get extra funds under some other provisions but certainly not the special status. AP is a newly carved out state with lots of controversy reeking about the decision related to its capital city and other economic developments.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is seized with the issue of state assembly elections likely to be held in early 2025 where he would like to consolidate his position for the next five years. This will decide his political destiny in the last innings. If he is lenient on seeking plum cabinet berths, then Nitish will wish to get huge flow of fund to accelerate the growth trajectory of Bihar and convert it in increasing his number of seats in state assembly elections. In case he is dissatisfied on both counts -- lesser important cabinet portfolio and less flow of funds -- then time will decide the next course of action.

As of now, Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar seem to be subdued allies of the BJP that would augur well for the Prime Minister to launch his third innings at a highly positive note.

(Vinod Kumar Shukla)