Rajya Sabha elections: BJP wins nine seats, NDA allies two, Congress one

The results of the Rajya Sabha elections for 12 seats have been declared, with all candidates being elected unopposed, resulting in the BJP securing nine seats, its allies gaining two seats, and the Congress winning one seat.

This outcome has provided a significant boost to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which has now achieved a simple majority in the Rajya Sabha for the first time since coming to power in 2014. This shift is crucial as the NDA has gained four seats, while the INDIA bloc has lost two seats, and non-aligned parties such as the BJD and BRS have each lost one seat.

The results are noteworthy given the changing dynamics with regional parties. Friendly allies like the BJD under Naveen Patnaik have turned hostile, and YSRCP led by Jagan Reddy is reconsidering its options.

These developments underscore the significance of the BJP’s recent victories, as they provide the party with a stronger position in the Upper House. No single party has had a clear advantage in the Rajya Sabha since the late 1980s, making this a remarkable achievement for the BJP.

Despite this victory, passing constitutional amendments that require a two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha remains a challenge. However, the BJP is now better positioned to pass bills requiring only a simple majority.

The seats became vacant due to several MPs being elected to the Lok Sabha in June, and two resignations in July. The BJP held seven of the 12 seats before the elections, with Congress holding two, and the remaining seats being held by the RJD, BRS, and BJD.

Before these elections, the BJP had 87 MPs in the Rajya Sabha, while the NDA had 108 members in total. With the INDIA bloc holding 85 seats and non-aligned parties holding 32, the NDA was just short of a simple majority. The latest results have now filled this gap, marking a turning point in the Upper House’s balance of power.