In a significant development for Indian politics, twelve new members have been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha, further strengthening the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Upper House of Parliament. With these latest elections, the BJP's presence in the Rajya Sabha has risen to 96 members, while the NDA as a whole has reached the crucial majority mark of 119.
This majority is expected to remain secure until April 2026, when a larger set of elections is scheduled to take place. Among the newly elected members are key figures such as Union Ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu from Rajasthan and George Kurien from Madhya Pradesh.
These appointments are expected to enhance the BJP's influence in the Upper House, allowing the ruling alliance to pass legislation more smoothly. The Congress party also saw a win with Abhishek Manu Singhvi securing a seat from Telangana.
The unopposed elections reflect the current political dynamics in the country, where the BJP and its allies continue to consolidate power. The newly elected members from the BJP include Mission Ranjan Dass and Rameshwar Teli from Assam, Manan Kumar Mishra from Bihar, Kiran Chaudhary from Haryana, Dhiryasheel Patil from Maharashtra, Mamata Mohanta from Odisha, and Rajeeb Bhattacharjee from Tripura.
Additionally, NCP’s Nitin Patil from Maharashtra and Rashtriya Lok Morcha leader Upendra Kushwaha from Bihar, both allies of the BJP, have also been elected.
The significance of these results cannot be overstated. The NDA had 104 members in the Rajya Sabha before these elections, and the new additions bring the total to 115. With the Upper House now consisting of 237 members, the majority mark stands at 119.
This majority is particularly crucial as it will enable the NDA to push through important legislation, such as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which is currently being reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
The BJP's growing influence in the Rajya Sabha is indicative of its stronghold in Indian politics. With the Upper House now more favourable to the ruling alliance, the BJP is better positioned to implement its legislative agenda. The Congress, on the other hand, now holds 27 seats, underscoring the shifting balance of power in Parliament.
This development comes after ten Rajya Sabha seats fell vacant when sitting members were elected to the Lok Sabha in the general elections held earlier this year. Additionally, bypolls were conducted for one seat each in Telangana and Odisha, further contributing to the reshuffling of power in the Rajya Sabha.
The Election Commission had earlier announced the schedule for the elections to these 12 vacant Rajya Sabha seats, which culminated in the unopposed elections of these members.
As the BJP and its allies continue to solidify their presence in the Upper House, the political landscape in India remains dynamic, with the NDA in a strong position to influence the future direction of the country.
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