NDA strong in Rajya Sabha, BJP close to majority, equations changed with arrival of AAP MPs

New Delhi: The political mathematics in Rajya Sabha seems to be changing suddenly. The ruling alliance NDA has got a big boost in the Upper House after seven MPs of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This development has changed the balance of power of Parliament and its impact on the legislative process may be clearly visible in the times to come.

However, despite this lead, NDA is still away from two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha. According to the current figures, the total strength of the alliance has reached 145, but 18 MPs are still needed to reach the figure of 163.

NDA gets lead due to arrival of AAP MPs

After seven Rajya Sabha MPs of AAP joined BJP, the strength of NDA has increased to 145. The total number of members of Rajya Sabha is 244, in which the support of 163 members is required for two-thirds majority.

In this sense, NDA still needs additional support to gain absolute majority.

Constitutional amendments will be affected

After securing two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha, it will be easy for the NDA to pass important bills related to constitutional amendments.

However, at present the alliance is far from this figure. Despite having a simple majority in the Lok Sabha, the NDA does not have a two-thirds majority there either. This figure is of 363 MPs in the Lok Sabha, which the NDA does not currently have.

This was the reason why recently an important bill related to women’s reservation could not be passed in the Parliament.

Big increase in BJP’s numbers

After the joining of seven AAP MPs, BJP has applied for merger. After getting the approval from Rajya Sabha Speaker CP Radhakrishnan, the number of BJP MPs will increase to 113, which was earlier 106.

With this, BJP’s position seems to be getting stronger.

BJP just one step away from simple majority

123 MPs are required for simple majority in Rajya Sabha. After BJP has 113 members, if the support of seven nominated and two independent MPs is added, then this number reaches 122.

In this way, BJP on its own will remain just one step away from a simple majority.

What did Raghav Chadha say on the merger?

Raghav Chadha informed through social media that under the provisions of the Constitution, more than two-thirds of the MPs have taken the decision of merger.

He said, "If the Chairman approves this merger, then there will be no threat to the membership of these MPs."

The coming together of 7 out of 10 AAP MPs technically falls in the category of merger.

What next? The path may become easier for NDA

After this new equation, NDA hopes that in future, passing important bills may be easier than before. However, distance from two-thirds majority still remains a big challenge.