TDP seeks Speaker's chair and cabinet berths in Modi 3.0 government
New Delhi: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu has made it clear that he intends to play a significant role in the Modi 3.0 government. Attending the NDA meeting in Delhi, Naidu made clear his party's aspirations by being seated alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With 16 MPs, TDP stands as the second-largest party in the NDA.
Naidu has put forth a list of demands to the BJP leadership, including the coveted position of Lok Sabha Speaker and at least five ministerial portfolios for the regional party. The Speaker's chair holds substantial power and influence, particularly crucial in scenarios of a hung Parliament. Notably, a TDP member highlighted their interest in ministries such as rural development, housing and urban affairs, ports & shipping, road transport & highways, and Jal Shakti.
These demands align closely with TDP's vision for the development of Andhra Pradesh, especially in areas like the completion of the Amaravati capital project, rural infrastructure development, and the advancement of industrial corridors in the state. However, potential conflicts of interest, particularly concerning river water disputes with neighboring states, may influence portfolio considerations.
Meanwhile, speculations loom over the next Chief Minister of Odisha, with names like Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP Vice President Baijayant Panda, and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi being circulated.
In another political development, the INDIA bloc leaders have resolved to remain in opposition, vowing to continue their fight against what they term as the BJP's "fascist rule," with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge emphasizing their commitment to respecting the people's desires.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
