The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is stepping up political outreach ahead of Parliament’s monsoon session to push through a set of constitutional amendment bills. With amendments requiring a two-thirds majority in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the coalition is reportedly seeking support even from parties outside the NDA.
The monsoon session is scheduled to run from July 20 to August 13. After the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the BJP won 240 seats and formed the government for a third term with the support of allies including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], making it dependent on partners for major legislation.
In the Lok Sabha, the NDA’s strength is stated to have risen to 319 following shifts such as six MPs moving to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and reports of support from 20 dissatisfied Trinamool Congress MPs. However, to pass a constitutional amendment, the House would require support from 362 members, leaving the alliance short of the threshold.
The report notes that the challenge was visible during an April vote on the Constitution’s 131st amendment bill linked to delimitation, where 298 voted in favour and 230 against, leading the Centre to withdraw the bill due to insufficient numbers.
In the Rajya Sabha, with 245 members and three vacancies, by-elections for three West Bengal seats are due on July 24. The BJP has announced former Trinamool members Sukendu Sekhar Ray, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Barai(k) as candidates; along with seven AAP MPs said to have shifted support, the BJP’s strength is projected at 117, and the NDA’s backing at 140—still below the 163 needed for amendments.
During the session, the Centre is said to be planning to reintroduce bills including those on delimitation, women’s reservation, removal of a prime minister/chief minister/ministers after 30 days in jail, and the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal. To bridge the gap, the BJP is also looking for issue-based backing from parties such as YSR Congress, which is described as extending outside support with four MPs each in both Houses, and is reportedly exploring support from the DMK as well.
