Nope, you get your facts straight. TDP is not a part of the NDA. Nor has it ever been mentioned in the NDA manifesto, unlike DMK et al. The "deal" with the TDP was struck separately. In fact, there was some speculation about whether the TDP and the NDA will go their own ways for quite a while.
Interestingly, BJP fought only in 350-odd seats, and won 182. The other Great Party fought in about 440 or so seats, and won 113.
Well, if the BJP had contested the election on its own, it would have fared dismally, especially in states that are dominated by regional outfits, like DMK/AIADMK in TN, TDP in AP, INLD in Haryana and so on.
And interestingly, the "other" parties, taken together, have won about 240 seats, and that compares very favorably with the tally of the top two parties, even if the two numbers are put together. |
