We are about a year away from the next general election. They could happen even earlier if rumours in Delhi are to be believed. For over four years now, Narendra Modi has ruled as Prime Minister with a thumping majority for the BJP - clearly the dominant force in the National Democratic Alliance or NDA. But next time, the BJP may just need a little more help from its friends. Allies may become more critical because if the BJP's own numbers come down in areas where they peaked, they will need help. But that's where the problem lies - in the BJP's handling of its coalition partners. The Shiv Sena has already said it won't contest with the BJP in 2019. The Akali Dal has openly expressed unhappiness at how it's being treated. And now the big southern ally of the BJP, the TDP, has left the government over granting a "special status" to Andhra Pradesh. Now the JDU is making similar noises - are restless allies rocking the BJP's boat?
