NDA close to majority mark in Rajya Sabha with 10 wins in bypolls

Ruling NDA is close to the majority mark in the Rajya Sabha as 10 BJP-led alliance candidates have been elected unopposed to the Upper House, augmenting its ability to pass key legislations. The bloc can also count on the support of six nominated members.

Rajya Sabha bypolls were announced on 12 seats which fell vacant as sitting MPs were elected to the Lok Sabha. While 11 candidates have been elected unopposed, the winner from Tripura will be decided through voting on September 3.

Rajya Sabha's effective strength is 237, with four vacancies in the nominated category and four others.



With effective majority mark coming down to 118, NDA is close to the majority mark with 114 MPs (BJP's 95). It can also count on the support of six nominated MPs, who usually side with the party that sends them to the House.

The candidates who got elected on Tuesday include Union ministers and BJP members Ravneet Singh Bittu (Rajasthan) and George Kurian (Madhya Pradesh).


Other BJP candidates who got elected are Kiran Choudhry (Haryana), Mamata Mohanta (Odisha), Manan Mishra (Bihar), Mission Ranjan Das and Rameshwar Teli (both from Assam), Dhairyasheel Patil (Maharashtra).

NDA allies Rashtriya Lok Morcha's Upendra Kushwaha (Bihar) and NCP's Nitin Patil (Maharashtra) were also elected unopposed.

Senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi has been declared unopposed from Telangana. However, Congress tally in the House has been reduced to 25.