NDA Poised to Near Two‑Thirds Majority in Rajya Sabha as TMC MPs Resign

Parliamentary Numbers Shift Ahead of Crucial Votes The NDA is edging closer to the two‑thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha . This comes as several TMC MPs resign and plan to sit as an independent bloc supporting the ruling coalition. Key Developments Current NDA strength in the Rajya Sabha is 148 MPs. Winning the independent seats in Jharkhand and Mizoram will add 3 seats, raising the tally to 151 . Three resigning TMC MPs will trigger by‑polls in West Bengal. All three are expected to go to the NDA, pushing the count to 154 . Further resignations could lift the NDA figure to 163 , the exact number needed to pass constitutional amendment bills in the Upper House. By November, ten Uttar Pradesh members will retire; the Samajwadi Party may capture some of these seats, potentially reducing the NDA’s margin. Important Facts The opposition bloc called INDIA currently holds 64 seats after the TMC exit of eight DMK MPs and three AAP MPs. Independent parties such as YSRCP (seven seats), BJD (six seats) and MDMK hold the balance of power and may align with either side. In the Lok Sabha , the NDA’s numbers could rise to 213 if about twenty defecting TMC MPs form a separate group and support the coalition. A two‑thirds majority in the Lower House requires 363 votes. UPSC Relevance Understanding the shifting parliamentary arithmetic is crucial for GS‑2 (Polity) questions on legislative processes, coalition dynamics, and constitutional amendments. The need for a two‑thirds majority in both houses underscores the importance of party discipline and the role of regional parties in national legislation. Way Forward As the resigning MPs meet Speaker Om Birla on Monday, the NDA will seek formal assurances of their support. The outcome of the upcoming by‑polls in West Bengal and the composition of the Uttar Pradesh retirements will determine whether the coalition can comfortably pass the pending constitutional amendment bills . Aspirants should monitor these developments for potential exam questions on parliamentary strategy and constitutional law.