BJP-Led NDA Poised for Rajya Sabha Majority After September By-Elections

The BJP-led NDA is anticipated to secure a majority in the Rajya Sabha post the by-elections for 12 seats scheduled next month. The alliance is projected to win 11 seats, raising their total to 122 in the 245-member house. This will enable them to pass key legislations more smoothly.

The BJP-led NDA is on the verge of securing a clear majority in the Rajya Sabha following the bye-elections for 12 seats slated for next month. This development is expected to bolster the party's ability to pass crucial legislations, such as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Currently, the BJP commands 87 MPs out of an effective strength of 229 in the Upper House. With the support of its allies, the number increases to 105. Six nominated members, who typically vote with the government, bring the NDA's strength to 111, just four seats shy of the 115 required for a majority.

The opposition, led by the Congress, holds 26 seats, and with its allies, the count reaches 84. Key neutral parties like the YSR Congress Party and BJD, holding 11 and eight seats respectively, remain crucial in the balance of power.

The Election Commission has set September 3 for the by-elections across nine states. The BJP and its allies are predicted to secure 11 of the 12 seats, pushing their total to 122, well over the majority mark in the 245-member house.

Four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir remain vacant, reducing the house's effective strength to 241. These vacancies arose as the Union Territory is yet to establish its first legislative assembly.

The by-elections were necessitated by the election of 10 Rajya Sabha members, including Union ministers Piyush Goyal, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Jyotiraditya Scindia, to the Lok Sabha. Additionally, two seats in Telangana and Odisha are also up for grabs following resignations by K Keshava Rao and Mamata Mohanta, who shifted party allegiance to Congress and BJP, respectively.

(With inputs from agencies.)