New Delhi: A full 24 hours after vote counting began, the final results are in: the NDA, which includes the BJP, JD(U), TDP, and others, has bagged 292 seats. The BJP itself secured 240 seats, with allies JD(U) and TDP contributing 12 and 16 seats respectively. Despite winning the election, the BJP has fallen short of the magic number of 272, highlighting its reliance on coalition partners.

The INDI Alliance, comprised of the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Samajwadi Party (SP), amassed a total of 234 seats. Congress led the alliance with 99 seats, followed by the SP with 37 and TMC with 29. Even if JD(U) and TDP, with their 28 seats, switched allegiances, the INDI Alliance would still fall short at 262 seats, necessitating further alliances to claim a majority.

With the results declared, political maneuvers have intensified. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray announced the INDI Alliance’s intention to stake a claim to form the government, criticizing the BJP for its alleged reliance on fear and harassment tactics to maintain alliances. Thackeray’s bold statement underscores the shifting dynamics in coalition politics.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi echoed this sentiment, indicating that the INDI Alliance would convene to decide whether to sit in opposition or attempt to form a government. Speculation abounds regarding potential deals, with reports suggesting offers of key positions and special statuses to sway JD(U) and TDP support.