Our Bureau
New Delhi
Seven Rajya Sabha MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have joined the BJP, giving a big push to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Upper House. This move leaves the NDA tally at 149 out of 244 seats, just one short of 150.
The Rajya Sabha’s effective strength is now 244, with the majority mark at 123. Once the Rajya Sabha chairman approves the merger, BJP’s own seats will rise from 106 to 113, only 10 short of majority. NDA allies hold 28 seats, and with support from seven nominated members and two independents, the bloc has a clear majority.
AAP’s strength has crashed from 10 MPs to just three. The party was fourth after BJP, Congress, and Trinamool Congress, getting more speaking time in the House. Now, its voice in Parliament will weaken, with less say in committees and all-party meets.
This is a huge setback for the Opposition. The NDA is now 14 seats shy of the two-thirds majority of 163. BJP’s strength will grow more in elections for 23 seats in May and 11 in November, where NDA eyes 20 out of 34.
The shift helps NDA pass key bills easier in Rajya Sabha, unlike recent struggles in Lok Sabha over women’s reservation. AAP leaders like Arvind Kejriwal face a tough time as their party’s clout fades fast.
