The BJP is set to move within striking distance of a majority in the Rajya Sabha after expected gains in the upcoming West Bengal by-elections, strengthening the ruling NDA's position ahead of a politically significant Monsoon Session of Parliament.
With the three Rajya Sabha bypolls in West Bengal scheduled for July 24, the BJP is expected to win all the seats following the resignation of three former
Trinamool Congress MPs who have since joined the party. The development comes after a major political realignment in the state and is projected to push the BJP's tally in the Upper House to 117 seats, its highest-ever strength in the Rajya Sabha.
Just six seats short
Once the new members are elected, the BJP will be only six seats away from the simple majority mark of 123 in the current effective strength of the Rajya Sabha.
The NDA's overall strength is expected to rise to around 152 members, giving the ruling alliance a stronger numerical advantage for the passage of ordinary legislation.
The last time a single party enjoyed an outright majority in the Upper House was in 1986, when the Congress under then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi commanded the numbers.
Also read: Politics Three ex-TMC leaders file RS nominations as BJP candidates
Bengal bypolls key to the shift
The three vacancies were created after former TMC leaders Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy and Prakash Chik Baraik resigned from the Rajya Sabha and later joined the BJP.
With the BJP now enjoying a numerical edge in the West Bengal Assembly, the party is widely expected to secure all three seats without a serious contest.
Focus on major legislation
The strengthened numbers come at a crucial time, as the Centre is expected to push several important reforms during the Monsoon Session, including proposals linked to delimitation, implementation of the women's reservation law, and possibly simultaneous elections.
For constitutional amendments, however, the challenge remains steeper. Such legislation requires a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, which would be around 166 votes if the full effective strength participates.
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