🔥 Trending BJP Nominates Former TMC Leaders to Rajya Sabha Amidst Political Shifts

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been actively involved in recent Rajya Sabha nominations and elections, leading to significant shifts in the political landscape.

Recent Nominations and Elections

The BJP has nominated several candidates for the Rajya Sabha, reflecting its strategic moves to strengthen its position in the upper house of India's Parliament.

Former TMC Leaders Join BJP and Get Nominated

In a notable development, three former Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha members – Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, and Prakash Chik Baraik – joined the BJP in Kolkata on a Thursday ¹. This move came weeks after their resignations from the TMC ¹. Hours after joining the BJP, these three individuals were announced as candidates for the Rajya Sabha by-elections, which were necessitated by their earlier resignations ⁴. This strategic move allowed the BJP to field candidates for seats that were previously held by the TMC ⁴.

BJP's Candidate Lists for Biennial Elections

The BJP has also released lists of candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha biennial elections. For instance, on a Friday (June 4), the party announced a list of 10 candidates from five states ⁹. Another list included 11 candidates, with national general secretary Tarun Chugh nominated from Madhya Pradesh, alongside Rajneesh Agrawal ¹⁰.

Strengthening NDA's Position in Rajya Sabha

These nominations and subsequent electoral victories have contributed to the strengthening of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Rajya Sabha. Recent elections have increased the NDA's tally from 135 to 141 in the 245-member House ². The BJP's own elected members have increased from 98 to 101, and with five of the 12 nominated members joining the party, the total number of BJP MPs in the Upper House has further risen ². This increased strength is seen as paving the way for the NDA to potentially pass constitutional amendments more easily ².

Key Figures and Oath-Taking

Prominent political figures have also been part of recent Rajya Sabha developments. Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress chief, took his oath as a Rajya Sabha member after his re-election from Karnataka. He was among four candidates, including three from Congress and one BJP nominee, who were declared elected unopposed to fill vacant seats ³.