New Delhi, August 29, 2024 — The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has bolstered its strength in the Rajya Sabha with the unopposed election of 11 members, increasing its tally in the Upper House to 115. The BJP secured nine of these seats, while its allies, the Janata Dal United (JD(U)) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Ajit Pawar, each won one seat. The Congress, on the other hand, managed to secure one seat from Telangana, bringing the Opposition’s strength to 85 in the Rajya Sabha.
NDA’s Growing Strength
The BJP remains the single largest party in the Rajya Sabha, with 96 members, but the ruling coalition is still shy of the halfway mark, which stands at 119 in the 245-member House. The NDA’s position is further strengthened by the support of six nominated members and one independent member.
Among the BJP nominees elected unopposed are:
- Ranjan Dass and Rameshwar Teli from Assam
- Manan Kumar Mishra from Bihar
- Kiran Chaudhary from Haryana
- Dhirya Sheel Patil from Maharashtra
- Mamata Mohanta from Odisha
- Ravneet Singh Bittu from Rajasthan
- Rajeev Bhattacharjee from Tripura
From the BJP’s allies:
- Nitin Patil from the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) was elected from Maharashtra.
- Updendra Kushwaha from JD(U) secured a seat from Bihar.
Additionally, Congress’s Abhishek Manu Singhvi was elected unopposed from Telangana, marking a win for the Opposition.
Implications for the Upper House
The unopposed elections come at a time when the NDA is seeking to consolidate its position in the Rajya Sabha ahead of several key legislative battles. Despite its growing numbers, the ruling coalition will continue to rely on support from allies and independent members to push through significant legislation.
The Rajya Sabha currently has 245 seats, though eight vacancies remain, including four from Jammu and Kashmir and four for nominated members. With the new additions, the NDA’s influence in the Upper House is expected to increase, providing it with a stronger platform to advance its legislative agenda.
Political Landscape
The BJP’s dominance in the Rajya Sabha mirrors its strong presence in the Lok Sabha, where it has an absolute majority. However, the party and its allies continue to face challenges in the Upper House, where the Opposition’s numbers, though reduced, remain significant.
The Congress, with its recent win in Telangana, along with other opposition parties, will continue to play a crucial role in scrutinizing and debating the government’s policies and proposals. The upcoming sessions of Parliament are expected to see intense debates and strategic maneuvering as both sides vie for influence.
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