The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has gained an advantage in the Rajya Sabha after seven Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) switched allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This transition increases the NDA’s total to 145 MPs in the Upper House, yet it still falls short of the two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments.

The Rajya Sabha comprises a total of 244 members, which mandates that 163 be present to establish a two-thirds majority. The NDA’s current standing indicates that while it is moving closer to this threshold, it remains 18 members short of achieving the requisite majority for significant legislative changes.

The BJP currently has 106 MPs but stands to gain additional support from seven nominated members and two independent MPs, positioning their total support at 122. This figure reaches the half-way mark, crucial for passing standard legislation in the Upper House.

Constitutional Amendments Remain Challenging Despite Gains

Despite the recent boost, the NDA still faces challenges in securing a two-thirds majority in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. In the Lower House, the ruling coalition requires the backing of 363 MPs to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority, despite currently holding a simple majority. This limitation poses difficulties for advancing significant reforms or constitutional amendments.

The approval of the merger between the AAP Parliamentary Party and the BJP is pending before Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan. If sanctioned, this merger will enhance the BJP’s standing considerably, allowing it to capitalise on the increased membership for legislative support.

The most recent attempt at securing a constitutional amendment, namely the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which sought to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures by 2029, was defeated in the Lok Sabha on April 17 due to the NDA’s inability to gather a two-thirds majority.

Formalities Around the Merger of AAP Members

The seven AAP MPs who defected to the BJP reportedly constitute more than two-thirds of the AAP’s presence in the Rajya Sabha. Following proper constitutional procedures, they have submitted a formal document regarding their merger, which was delivered directly to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Chadha, an official within the AAP, confirmed that the necessary documentation had been completed and submitted, indicating a significant shift in the party’s representation. This change could have considerable implications for future legislative proceedings in the Rajya Sabha.

The political landscape will continue to evolve as the NDA navigates its position regarding legislative powers and constitutional amendments, particularly in light of challenges evident from the previous failures to secure majorities in critical bills.

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