New Delhi: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), appears poised to secure victory in the country's largest election for the third consecutive time, with 295 seats. However, unlike the previous elections in 2014 and 2019, this time the BJP seems to be falling short of the majority mark. The significance of the "N factor" was apparent from the outset of this election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had the opportunity to match the feat of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru by forming the government for the third consecutive term. As the election results unfolded, the "N factor" came into play, represented by "Namo" (Narendra Modi), Nitish Kumar, and Chandrababu Naidu. While the NDA, led by Narendra Modi, is projected to win 296 seats, the BJP alone may fall short of forming the government with a clear majority for the third successive time. To bridge this gap, PM Modi's fate hinges on the stance of Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP), both crucial allies within the NDA. With JD(U) expected to secure 14 seats and TDP with 16 seats, their combined tally of 30 seats may hold the key to the NDA's fate. Subtracting these seats from the NDA's total reduces their count to 265, seven seats shy of the majority mark of 272. In response to this situation, both the ruling NDA and the opposition India Bloc have intensified their efforts. PM Modi personally engaged with Chandrababu Naidu, while Bihar BJP president Samrat Chaudhary attempted to meet Nitish Kumar. However, Nitish's refusal to meet Chaudhary has fueled speculation about his stance. Amidst rumors, the RJD claimed that Nitish Kumar hinted at a major decision and distanced himself from revenge politics. However, JDU's general secretary and spokesperson KC Tyagi reiterated their commitment to the NDA alliance. The unfolding drama underscores the pivotal role of Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu in determining the government's formation and Narendra Modi's fate in his third term as Prime Minister. CBI and ED Commit to Complete Investigations in Delhi Excise Policy Case Amit Shah Leads in Gandhinagar as BJP Dominates Gujarat in 18th Lok Sabha Elections Suresh Gopi's Historic Win: Actor-turned-politician triumphs in Thrissur parliamentary seat