The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has recently witnessed a significant decline in its Rajya Sabha strength, slipping below 90 members following the conclusion of four members’ terms. This shift leaves the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) short of a majority in the upper house of the Indian Parliament.
BJP’s Rajya Sabha Influence Diminishes as Key Members Depart
With the departure of prominent figures such as Sonal Mansingh, Mahesh Jethmalani, Rakesh Sinha, and Ram Shakal, the BJP’s numbers have dwindled to 86. This decrease has consequential implications for the NDA, whose total strength now stands at 101, falling short of the required 113 for a majority in the 245-member Rajya Sabha.
NDA Seeks Resurgence through Upcoming Rajya Sabha By-Elections
Despite this setback, the BJP-led NDA remains optimistic about reclaiming lost ground in the forthcoming Rajya Sabha by-elections. The alliance anticipates securing two seats each in Bihar, Maharashtra, and Assam, alongside one seat each in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tripura, leveraging its numerical advantage over the Opposition in these states.
Congress and Opposition Vie for Rajya Sabha Gains
Meanwhile, the opposition bloc, led by the Congress, holds a total of 87 seats. The Congress itself accounts for 26, while other prominent parties like the Trinamool Congress, AAP, and DMK each hold a significant number of seats. The Congress aims to secure the lone seat in Telangana, while the BJP is confident of winning the solitary seat in Haryana.
Summary: The BJP’s stronghold in the Rajya Sabha has weakened with the departure of four key members, causing the NDA to lose its majority. However, the alliance remains hopeful of regaining its position in the upcoming by-elections. Meanwhile, the Congress-led opposition seeks to capitalize on this opportunity to increase its own representation in the upper house.
Key Learnings:
| Point | Implication |
|---|---|
| BJP’s Rajya Sabha strength has fallen below 90. | This weakens the party’s influence in the upper house of Parliament. |
| The NDA no longer holds a majority in the Rajya Sabha. | This could make it more difficult for the government to pass legislation without the support of opposition parties. |
| The BJP is hopeful of regaining lost ground in the upcoming by-elections. | This suggests that the party is confident of its electoral prospects and aims to restore its dominance in the Rajya Sabha. |
| The Congress and other opposition parties are also vying for Rajya Sabha gains. | This highlights the competitive nature of Indian politics and the ongoing struggle for power in the Parliament. |
| The Rajya Sabha currently has 19 vacant seats. | This presents an opportunity for both the ruling NDA and the opposition bloc to increase their representation in the upper house. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
