New Rajya Sabha composition gives NDA more teeth

On Monday, the Rajya Sabha will reassemble with new equations. The ruling BJP with 69 seats will occupy treasury seats as the largest party in the Upper House after getting — a straight jump of 20 numbers in the just concluded biennial polls.

In June 2016, while addressing a joint session of the US Parliament at the Capitol Hill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had vent about the frustrating reality of a bicameral system — referring to his inability to get legislations approved by the Upper House in the wake of lesser number of MPs in that House.

In the 245-member House, the BJP earlier had 49 seats. With the BJP and the NDA partners now ruling over 21 states in the country, it is getting increasingly reflected in the Upper House of House of States. Now, with the changed equation, the Congress has nosedived from 54 to 51.

A BJP source maintained that non-cooperation of the Congress and other Opposition parties have often stalled the government's key reforms agenda and legislative business. "Now, with the gap narrowing, the government is much comfortable in the House of Elders. But it is also true that we will continue to need the active and positive cooperation of some regional parties like Tamil Nadu's AIADMK," a party leader said.

The BJP-led NDA's chances of inching towards a full majority on its own has suffered a setback with the TDP, which has six members, walking out of it.