PM Modi, the alliance maker: Friendships across the political spectrum

Many of Modi's successes also rest on his ability to make associations across the political spectrum and forge crucial alliances with leaders.

If one were to outline the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turned 75 on September 17, the standout feature would be weaving economic growth with national pride. But many of his successes also rest on his ability to make associations across the political spectrum and forge crucial alliances with leaders.

Friends, allies, rivals — even frenemies — mark India’s national and regional political maps. In his third successive term as Prime Minister, Modi has navigated all of them with a mix of charisma, calculation, and personal rapport.

For instance, with the BJP falling short of the majority mark in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Modi’s relationships with regional leaders such as Chandrababu Naidu, Nitish Kumar and Eknath Shinde helped the party form a strong coalition government at the Centre. Even when the BJP commanded a majority in 2014 and 2019, it relied on allies in the Rajya Sabha to push key legislation, often drawing on support from parties like the Biju Janata Dal and YSR Congress.

Here's a look at the close political associates of Modi from various parties:

Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has had a stop-start relationship with the BJP. A key NDA partner under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he distanced himself after 2004, returned in 2014 post-Telangana bifurcation, left again in 2018, and campaigned against Modi in 2019. In 2024, Naidu rejoined the NDA with Jana Sena’s Pawan Kalyan. Recently he hailed Operation Sindoor as “a feather in the cap of the Modi government,” praising Modi’s precision in military response. Modi, for his part, has credited Naidu’s governance in Hyderabad as an inspiration for Gujarat’s development—showcasing mutual political respect despite past breaks.

Nitish Kumar

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s many alliance switches earned him the “paltu ram” tag. He walked out of the NDA in 2013 over Modi’s candidature, returned in 2017, exited in 2022 to join the RJD-Congress alliance, and rejoined before the 2024 elections. At a rally in Purnea, he pledged a more long-lasting relationship: “I am now back. And, from now on, I will not go anywhere…We respect him (PM Modi) a great deal.” Modi has publicly credited Kumar with helping Bihar move beyond the “era of jungle raj,” underlining their political closeness despite past flips.

Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra’s political landscape shifted dramatically in 2022 when Eknath Shinde led a revolt that toppled the Uddhav Thackeray-led government. With BJP backing, he became Chief Minister, later serving as Deputy CM under Devendra Fadnavis after the 2024 elections. Shinde has since positioned himself as a Modi loyalist, announcing “Namo Parks” in Maharashtra as a tribute on the Prime Minister’s 75th birthday. His reliance on BJP’s support reflects a close alignment with Modi’s leadership.

Pawan Kalyan

Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan founded Jana Sena in 2014, initially supporting the BJP-TDP alliance. After years of criticism over Andhra Pradesh’s neglect, he returned to the NDA in 2024 alongside Naidu. Modi hailed him with the phrase “Pawan nahi, aandhi hai” after their strong performance in Andhra. In turn, Kalyan praised Modi’s “strong commitment to Andhra Pradesh,” and Modi called him a “leader with a deep connect to the people.” His loyalty within Andhra politics has made him one of Modi’s closest allies in the South.

Naveen Patnaik

Odisha’s former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the BJD kept equidistance from the NDA and UPA for much of the past decade. Yet, the BJD supported crucial BJP-led legislation like GST and demonetisation. Though rivals in Odisha state politics, Modi and Patnaik maintained cordial ties, with Modi even publicly expressing concern about Patnaik’s health last year. Patnaik retorted sharply but later acknowledged PM Modi’s outreach. Their relationship reflects pragmatic cooperation when required.

Ghulam Nabi Azad

Former Congress leader and J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has been at odds with Modi on Article 370 and the CAA but surprised many by praising Modi’s statesmanship. “I must give credit to Narendra Modi ... he behaved like a statesman, not taking revenge,” Azad said after leaving the Congress. Modi grew visibly emotional during Azad’s 2021 farewell from the Rajya Sabha, recalling his help during a 2007 terror attack. Their exchanges reflect a personal rapport that transcends party lines.

Sharad Pawar

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has been one of Modi’s sharpest critics, often trading barbs with him. Modi once called him a “bhatakti aatma” (wandering soul); Pawar retorted that “the soul is immortal and it won’t spare you.” Yet Modi has also reached out personally, checking on Pawar’s health and assisting him at public events. Despite political clashes, the personal undertones of respect remain visible.

Chirag Paswan

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan has styled himself as Modi’s loyalist, calling himself the PM’s “Hanuman.” He helped the BJP retain Bihar seats in 2024 and was rewarded with a cabinet berth. Critics say his political survival is closely tied to Modi’s backing, but Chirag insists he wants to strengthen the NDA in Bihar, echoing the loyalty his father Ram Vilas Paswan showed across governments.