The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has increased its strength in the Rajya Sabha to 115 members following the unopposed election of 11 candidates—nine from the BJP and two from its allies, Janata Dal United (JDU) and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). Additionally, the ruling coalition has the backing of six nominated members.
Out of the 12 available seats, the Congress secured one seat from Telangana. The BJP, with 96 members, remains the largest party in the Upper House, but the NDA is still shy of the 119-seat majority.
Among those elected without opposition is George Kurien, the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. The alliance also enjoys the support of one independent member.
With its additional seat, the Congress now has 85 members in the Upper House. The Rajya Sabha comprises 245 seats, though eight remain vacant—four from Jammu and Kashmir and four for nominated members.
The BJP candidates elected unopposed include 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, and Rajeev Bhattacharjee from Tripura.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi of the Congress was elected unopposed from Telangana, NCP’s Nitin Patil from Maharashtra, and RLM’s Upendra Kushwaha secured a seat from Bihar.
With the NDA now holding a stronger position in the Rajya Sabha, the question arises whether the ruling alliance will prioritize reintroducing or advancing several stalled bills on the legislative agenda. These include:
- The WAQF (Amendment) Bill 2024.
- Bill No. 133 of 2022, introduced by Dr Krishnapal Singh Yadav, M.P., seeks to repeal the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991.
- Bill No. 266 of 2019, proposed by Krupal Tumane, M.P., aims to implement a Uniform Civil Code across India.
The increased strength of the NDA in the Upper House could provide the momentum needed to advance these key legislative items.
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