TMC Rebellion Bolsters NDA's Parliamentary Strength Amid Constitutional Amendment Push The growing internal conflict within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is expected to significantly enhance the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) numerical strength in Parliament, bringing it closer to securing a two-thirds majority in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. This shift is critical for the ruling alliance as it seeks to advance key constitutional amendment bills that require broad legislative support. While the current round of Rajya Sabha elections is projected to help the NDA approach the two-thirds majority threshold, the Lok Sabha remains a challenge, with the TMC's defection potentially altering the balance of power. Sources indicate that the NDA is poised to gain three seats in the Rajya Sabha from the current election cycle, particularly in independent constituencies in Jharkhand and Mizoram. These victories would bolster the alliance's tally, which currently stands at 148 members of parliament (MPs). Additionally, the resignation of three TMC MPs is anticipated to result in the NDA capturing all three seats in West Bengal following bypolls, raising its Rajya Sabha count to 154. However, this still leaves the alliance nine seats short of the 263 required for a two-thirds majority in the Upper House. The political landscape is further complicated by the impending retirement of 10 NDA MPs from Uttar Pradesh by November, which could weaken the alliance's strength. Analysts suggest that the Samajwadi Party, which has gained numerical momentum in the state assembly, may capitalize on this vacuum by securing additional seats in the Rajya Sabha.#lok_sabha #speaker_om_birla #trinamool_congress #rajya_sabha #national_democratic_alliance
Lok Sabha Likely to Debate Resolution Seeking Speaker Om Birla’s Removal in First Week of Upcoming Session The Lok Sabha is expected to take up a resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla from office during the first week of its upcoming session, with both the Congress and BJP issuing directives to their members to attend the House from March 9 to 11. The resolution, signed by 118 Opposition MPs, alleges partisan behavior by Birla, though the Trinamool Congress declined to support it, arguing the issue should have been addressed incrementally. The resolution follows a contentious first part of the Budget Session, marked by clashes between the ruling and Opposition benches. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s speech during the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address was interrupted by protests over his reference to excerpts from the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General Naravane. Eight Opposition members were suspended for violating rules, including throwing papers at the Speaker’s chair. These suspensions will extend into the second part of the session. Birla’s decision to boycott the House until the notice for a no-confidence motion against him was resolved further complicated proceedings. The Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address on February 5 without the customary reply from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted historical precedents, recalling a similar resolution filed in 1954 when the combined Opposition had around 50 members. He emphasized the importance of parliamentary democracy, stating the Opposition has the right to debate the issue. Three past Lok Sabha Speakers—G. V. Mavlankar, Hukam Singh, and Balram Jakhar—faced similar resolutions, though none succeeded.#congress #rahul_gandhi #lok_sabha #speaker_om_birla #bjp
