BJP’s Rajya Sabha tally dips, NDA now 12 below majority.
The retirement of four nominated MPs has reduced BJP’s strength to 86 in the Rajya Sabha, while the party-led NDA now stands at 101 seats. This total is 12 seats below the current majority mark of 113 in the 245-member House. The shift in numbers underscores the importance of coalition dynamics and strategic alliances in India’s upper house of Parliament, influencing legislative outcomes and policy decisions in the country’s political landscape.
In New Delhi, the BJP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha saw a decrease of four members on Saturday following the retirement of nominated MPs Rakesh Sinha, Ram Shakal, Sonal Mansingh, and Mahesh Jethmalani. These members, appointed as non-aligned by President Droupadi Murmu on the recommendation of the ruling party, subsequently aligned formally with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
With their retirement, the BJP’s representation in the Rajya Sabha has dropped to 86 seats, while the broader National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, now holds 101 seats. This total falls short of the current majority mark of 113 seats in the 245-member House.
Current Political Landscape in the Rajya Sabha
The composition of the Rajya Sabha currently stands at 225 members, with various political blocs holding significant sway:
- The Congress-led INDIA bloc commands 87 seats, with the Congress itself holding 26 seats. Other key members include Trinamool Congress from West Bengal with 13 seats, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and DMK with 10 seats each.
- Parties outside the BJP or Congress alliances, such as BRS led by ex-Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, nominated MPs, and independents, hold the remaining seats.
Implications of BJP’s Reduced Numbers
The decline in BJP’s numbers necessitates greater reliance on non-NDA parties to pass legislation in the Upper House of Parliament. While the BJP can count on 15 votes from NDA allies, it now requires at least 13 additional votes to secure passage of bills.
Key potential allies for the BJP include:
- YSR Congress Party (YSRCP): With 11 seats, YSRCP has historically provided issue-based support to the BJP.
- All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK): Despite a fractious relationship since their split last year, AIADMK’s 4 seats remain a significant bloc.
- Nominated Members: There are 12 nominated members in the Rajya Sabha, typically aligned with the ruling government.
Vacant Seats and Future Elections
Currently, there are 20 vacant seats in the Rajya Sabha, including 11 seats held by elected members expected to be contested this year:
- Assam, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Tripura each have two vacant seats.
- Haryana, Maharashtra, and Telangana each have one vacant seat.
The BJP-led alliance is positioned to potentially win seven seats from Assam, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Tripura. Additional wins in Maharashtra could secure two more seats.
Strategic Moves Ahead
The BJP’s strategy will likely focus on:
- Winning Vacant Seats: Securing up to nine additional seats could bolster BJP’s position significantly.
- Nominated Members and Independents: Garnering support from nominated members and independent MPs.
- Coalition Dynamics: Managing relationships with existing allies like YSRCP and potential support from parties like AIADMK.
Political Ramifications
The political landscape in the Rajya Sabha remains fluid, with each seat and alliance playing a crucial role in shaping legislative outcomes and political maneuvers. The upcoming elections and strategic alliances will be pivotal in determining the balance of power and the BJP’s ability to navigate legislative challenges.
Conclusion
The BJP’s reduced strength in the Rajya Sabha marks a shift in parliamentary dynamics, necessitating strategic alliances and coalition-building efforts to advance its legislative agenda. With vacancies to be filled and alliances to be forged, the coming months will be critical for shaping India’s political landscape and determining the trajectory of key policy decisions in the Upper House of Parliament.