New Delhi: The ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to get a majority in the Rajya Sabha in April this year once the remaining six vacancies under the nominated category are filled and those newly elected take oath.
According to data available with the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, the BJP gained two seats in the Upper House in the just concluded elections, pushing its own strength to 97. The strength of NDA, which at present has 113 members, will cross the half-way mark of 123 in the 245-member House in April this year once all nominated members take oath.
At present, there are only six MPs who have been nominated by the President of India as members in the Rajya Sabha, with some having joined the BJP later. There are a total of 12 nominated members in the House. The data shows that with the support of some independents and nominated members, the NDA which did not have a majority in the Upper House so far will finally achieve the magic figure this April, helping it get crucial legislations passed in the Council of States.