(ET)
Unlike the previous NDA regime under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee where allies could throw their weight around, the current BJP led by Amit Shah is running the ruling coalition almost on its own steam, leaving a limited role for partners. Sources said Shah was likely to play the role of NDA convener too. This was obvious in the past few months when he negotiated through his core team with prospective allies and leaders wishing to jump ship and join the ruling party.
The post of NDA convener was held by JDU till Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar decided to part ways in 2013. George Fernandes and later Sharad Yadav played the role for several years. Fernandes had the ears of both Vajpayee and then home minister LK Advani. Yadav, too, was given ample importance by Advani. Though JDU is back in the NDA fold, no party is likely to be given the post of convener.
