The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has lost its majority in the Rajya Sabha, with its tally falling below 90 seats for the first time in several years. However, the party is optimistic about regaining strength after the upcoming by-polls for the vacant Rajya Sabha seats, where the BJP/NDA is expected to make some gains.
(Photo Credit: The Weak)
BJP’s Current Rajya Sabha Strength
The Rajya Sabha currently has 226 members, with the BJP holding 86 seats. The Congress follows with 26 seats, and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has 13 seats. There are presently 19 vacancies. In a full house, the majority mark is 113. With the support of its allies, the NDA’s tally stands at 101, which is 12 seats short of the majority mark. Additionally, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which has nine MPs, has already withdrawn its support from the NDA government.
Vacancies in Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha currently has 19 vacancies out of a total of 245 members. Four of these vacancies are from Jammu and Kashmir, where there is no assembly following the region’s transition to a Union Territory in 2019. The Election Commission (EC) has not yet announced the dates for elections to fill 11 vacancies caused by resignations. Ten of these resignations were from members who were elected to the Lok Sabha, while one MP, K. Keshava Rao of the BRS, resigned after joining the Congress. These vacancies present a significant challenge for the Rajya Sabha, impacting its overall strength and functioning. The upcoming by-polls are expected to play a crucial role in reshaping the dynamics within the upper house of Parliament.
Vacancies in Rajya Sabha
Currently, there are 19 vacancies in the 245-member Rajya Sabha, which affects its overall functioning and composition. Of these vacancies, four are from Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has not had an assembly since it was designated as a Union Territory in 2019. The lack of representation from Jammu and Kashmir highlights ongoing political complexities in the area.
The Election Commission (EC) has yet to announce the dates for elections to fill 11 of these vacancies, which have arisen due to resignations. Out of the 11 members who resigned, ten have transitioned to the Lok Sabha, while one MP, K. Keshava Rao from the BRS, stepped down after joining the Congress party. These resignations not only contribute to the current vacancies but also influence the balance of power within the Rajya Sabha.
The delay in filling these seats can lead to significant challenges in legislative processes and the decision-making capabilities of the upper house. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the timely appointment of new members will be crucial for restoring full functionality to the Rajya Sabha.
(Photo Credit: The Economic Times)
BJP vs Congress
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is optimistic about securing two seats each in Bihar, Maharashtra, and Assam, along with one seat each in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tripura, owing to its numerical advantage over the opposition. Additionally, the four newly nominated members are expected to align with the Treasury benches once appointed. With these anticipated gains, the NDA’s strength could rise to 115, exceeding the majority mark by two seats.
The ruling Congress aims to secure the sole seat in Telangana at the expense of the BRS. However, this gain is expected to be offset in Rajasthan, where the BJP, holding a strong majority, is likely to win the seat vacated by K.C. Venugopal, a senior Congress member who won the Lok Sabha election from Alappuzha in Kerala.
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