Varaprasadarao K
The BJP, in coalition with NDA partners TDP and JDU, has lost its majority in the Rajya Sabha following the end of tenure for four nominated MPs. This development reduces the BJP’s Rajya Sabha strength to 86 MPs, lowering the NDA’s total to 101 in the 245-member house, falling short of the majority mark of 113. This scenario necessitates alliances with other parties such as YSR Congress and DMK to ensure the passage of bills. The tenure of nominated MPs Rakesh Sinha, Ram Shakal, Sonal Mansingh, and Mahesh Jethmalani concluded recently, all of whom supported the Modi-led government. With their departure, the BJP now faces the challenge of securing support from other parties to pass crucial legislation. Political analysts suggest that parties like AIADMK from Tamil Nadu, with 4 MPs, and YSRCP from Andhra Pradesh, with 11 MPs, could become pivotal for the NDA. Despite recent political differences between BJP and YSRCP during elections, there is speculation that BJP might seek YSRCP’s support again, given their previous cooperation on legislative matters. YSRCP, known for its sporadic support to BJP in the past, holds potential to influence crucial votes in the Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, other regional parties like BJD, with 9 MPs, and smaller independents hold sway in the current political equation. Looking ahead, 20 seats remain vacant in the Rajya Sabha, including 11 elected member seats likely to be contested later this year. BJP and its allies are poised to secure wins in several States, potentially bolstering their numbers. If YSRCP lends its support to these upcoming elections and nominated members, the NDA alliance could regain the necessary majority to advance legislative agendas