New Delhi, Apr 24 :
The ruling NDA received a numerical boost in the Rajya Sabha after seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs switched sides on Friday, however, the alliance continues to remain short of the crucial two-thirds majority required in the Upper House.
As per details available with news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the NDA’s strength in the Rajya Sabha has now gone up to 145 members, while the two-thirds majority mark in the 244-member House stands at 163, leaving the alliance short by 18 MPs. The BJP, on its own, is still around 10 members short of securing a simple majority.
Sources said that once the Rajya Sabha Chairman approves the merger of the AAP parliamentary group with the BJP, the ruling party’s tally is expected to rise further. Additional support from nominated and independent members could bring the BJP-backed strength close to the halfway mark in the House.
Meanwhile, the development comes amid ongoing challenges for the NDA in securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament, which is essential for passing key constitutional amendment bills. Recently, a Constitution Amendment Bill related to women’s reservation and expansion of Lok Sabha seats failed to pass due to lack of required numbers.
The seven MPs, forming more than two-thirds of AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha, have submitted formal documents to the Chairman seeking approval for their merger with the BJP, marking a significant political shift in the Upper House. (KNC)