Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, Chirag Paswan - who is likely to get what in Modi’s cabinet

With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) falling short of the majority mark to form a new government alone, speculations are rife that the TDP and JD(U) are bargaining hard to seek plum ministerial berths in Modi's cabinet.

Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar both have significant experience from the coalition era, possess strong negotiation skills and are expected to get important ministries to strategically leverage their support. Here's what is expected.

Nitish Kumar to bargain for 5 ministerial berths, central funds

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to bargain for at least five ministerial berths, central funds, early assembly polls, and special status for Bihar.

Sources familiar with the matter told Hindustan Times that initially, the JD(U) was promised at least three Cabinet berths and one minister of state (MoS), but he is now in a better bargaining position.

“We are hoping to get at least four Cabinet berths. One more MoS post could be asked for,” said a JD(U) leader.

He further revealed that the party is keen on portfolios such as railways, rural development, and water resources as “these portfolios will give JD(U) leverage in accelerating development in the state.”

Chandrababu Naidu to negotiate for preferential status for Andhra Pradesh

Though TDP is tight-lipped on the negotiation part, an NDTV report citing TDP sources suggested that the party may ask for plum ministries at the Centre and a preferential status for Andhra Pradesh.

In fact, Naidu in 2016 split with the BJP over the demand for special status for Andhra Pradesh.

Chirag Paswan assured of one berth in the cabinet

Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) or LJP-RV, which was assured of one berth in the Union Cabinet, is hopeful of getting one state minister berth as well.

“We are assured of one berth. A minister of state would be a huge bonus,” said a LJP-RV functionary on condition of anonymity, as reported by Hindustan Times.