BJP's 'Mission 360': Is the NDA 6 MPs short of a two-thirds majority?
With days left before Parliament's Monsoon Session, the BJP is weighing shifting political equations and possible support from regional parties as it seeks to revive its legislative push on women's reservation and delimitation through the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and the Delimitation Bill.
Ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session beginning July 20, the BJP has stepped up what party insiders describe as its 'Mission 360' as the Narendra Modi government prepares to revive the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on women's reservation and delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies while linking the two. The Bill failed to secure the required two-thirds majority during Parliament's three-day special session in April, prompting the ruling alliance to intensify efforts to shore up support before making another attempt.
According to political sources, the BJP believes the changing political landscape could improve the government's prospects this time. While the ruling party has begun an extensive outreach exercise to strengthen its numbers in Parliament, the Congress and other Opposition parties have also stepped up consultations ahead of the session.
Despite recent political churn involving the Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar's camp, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is still believed to be around six MPs short of the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment. Against this backdrop, the BJP has convened an all-party meeting on July 19, with political observers closely watching whether the government seeks to build broader support for the proposed legislation.
BJP HOLDS STRATEGY TALKS
The BJP has also stepped up its internal consultations ahead of the Monsoon Session. Over the past week, the party leadership has held several high-level meetings, including one at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. The meeting was attended by BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh.
Sources said the discussions focused on the government's parliamentary strategy for the Monsoon Session. However, B L Santhosh's presence has also fuelled speculation that the BJP may soon announce its new national team under the leadership of Nitin Nabin.
According to sources, extensive consultations have been underway within the organisation, with names of prospective office-bearers sought from various states. The new team is expected to be finalised from these recommendations.
Political sources said the meeting at the Prime Minister's residence went beyond organisational matters. The leadership also deliberated on the government's legislative agenda, the Opposition's likely strategy and the Bills expected to be introduced during the session. Among the proposals generating the most discussion are those related to delimitation and women's reservation.
GOVERNMENT SEES FAVOURABLE POLITICAL CLIMATE
Sources claim the government believes the current political landscape is more favourable than before, with the ruling alliance in a stronger position and the Opposition appearing relatively weaker.
According to sources, the stance of several regional parties could prove crucial. There is speculation that the 22-member DMK parliamentary contingent may support the government on certain issues.
A senior BJP leader claimed that the DMK's political position may differ from that of the Congress on key issues. While the party had strongly opposed the delimitation proposal earlier this year, the political situation has changed following the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The DMK has reportedly distanced itself from the Congress in Parliament, even deciding to sit separately in the House, raising the BJP's expectations of issue-based support.
WHAT'S BJP'S 'MISSION 360'?
The Lok Sabha has an effective strength of 540 members following three vacancies. A constitutional amendment requires the support of at least 360 MPs. According to political sources, the NDA currently has the backing of around 293 MPs. If it secures the support of the 20 MPs of the NCPI, who broke away from the Trinamool Congress, and the 22 MPs of the DMK, the tally could rise to around 335.
Government sources also point out that the alliance has, from time to time, received support from the four YSRCP MPs and one Independent MP, taking the effective figure to around 340.
The BJP is also factoring in recent political developments in Maharashtra. Following the reported shift of six MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) camp to the Eknath Shinde faction, the NDA's strength could increase to around 346.
If Sharad Pawar's party, with eight MPs, extends support for a constitutional amendment such as the delimitation Bill, the alliance's tally could rise to approximately 354, leaving it just six MPs short of the two-thirds mark.
HOW WILL THE NDA FIND THE LAST SIX MPs?
Despite its calculations, the NDA still needs the support of six additional MPs to cross the two-thirds threshold. Keeping this in view, Home Minister Amit Shah has held a series of political meetings, including with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the six MPs who recently joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Political sources believe these meetings are linked to the BJP's efforts to strengthen its numbers ahead of the Monsoon Session. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has also indicated conditional support for the women's reservation and delimitation Bills, though political observers believe the conditions put forward by his party may not be acceptable to the government.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has also hinted that his party could consider supporting the government if its demands are met. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has three Lok Sabha MPs. If their support is secured, the NDA would still require the backing of three more MPs. Political sources believe that if the BJP is able to win over some MPs currently aligned with Mamata Banerjee, it could potentially bridge the remaining gap.
ALL-PARTY MEETING ON JULY 19
The Centre has convened an all-party meeting on July 19 ahead of the Monsoon Session. The government is expected to brief Opposition parties and other political stakeholders on its legislative agenda and the Bills likely to be introduced during the session.
Parliament's Monsoon Session will begin on July 20, followed by the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting on July 21, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address alliance MPs.
With high-level meetings, shifting political equations and intense speculation over key constitutional Bills, the run-up to the Monsoon Session has gathered significant political momentum. The focus will now be on whether the government can translate its parliamentary arithmetic into legislative success.
Ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session beginning July 20, the BJP has stepped up what party insiders describe as its 'Mission 360' as the Narendra Modi government prepares to revive the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on women's reservation and delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies while linking the two. The Bill failed to secure the required two-thirds majority during Parliament's three-day special session in April, prompting the ruling alliance to intensify efforts to shore up support before making another attempt.
According to political sources, the BJP believes the changing political landscape could improve the government's prospects this time. While the ruling party has begun an extensive outreach exercise to strengthen its numbers in Parliament, the Congress and other Opposition parties have also stepped up consultations ahead of the session.
Despite recent political churn involving the Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar's camp, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is still believed to be around six MPs short of the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment. Against this backdrop, the BJP has convened an all-party meeting on July 19, with political observers closely watching whether the government seeks to build broader support for the proposed legislation.
BJP HOLDS STRATEGY TALKS
The BJP has also stepped up its internal consultations ahead of the Monsoon Session. Over the past week, the party leadership has held several high-level meetings, including one at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. The meeting was attended by BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh.
Sources said the discussions focused on the government's parliamentary strategy for the Monsoon Session. However, B L Santhosh's presence has also fuelled speculation that the BJP may soon announce its new national team under the leadership of Nitin Nabin.
According to sources, extensive consultations have been underway within the organisation, with names of prospective office-bearers sought from various states. The new team is expected to be finalised from these recommendations.
Political sources said the meeting at the Prime Minister's residence went beyond organisational matters. The leadership also deliberated on the government's legislative agenda, the Opposition's likely strategy and the Bills expected to be introduced during the session. Among the proposals generating the most discussion are those related to delimitation and women's reservation.
GOVERNMENT SEES FAVOURABLE POLITICAL CLIMATE
Sources claim the government believes the current political landscape is more favourable than before, with the ruling alliance in a stronger position and the Opposition appearing relatively weaker.
According to sources, the stance of several regional parties could prove crucial. There is speculation that the 22-member DMK parliamentary contingent may support the government on certain issues.
A senior BJP leader claimed that the DMK's political position may differ from that of the Congress on key issues. While the party had strongly opposed the delimitation proposal earlier this year, the political situation has changed following the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The DMK has reportedly distanced itself from the Congress in Parliament, even deciding to sit separately in the House, raising the BJP's expectations of issue-based support.
WHAT'S BJP'S 'MISSION 360'?
The Lok Sabha has an effective strength of 540 members following three vacancies. A constitutional amendment requires the support of at least 360 MPs. According to political sources, the NDA currently has the backing of around 293 MPs. If it secures the support of the 20 MPs of the NCPI, who broke away from the Trinamool Congress, and the 22 MPs of the DMK, the tally could rise to around 335.
Government sources also point out that the alliance has, from time to time, received support from the four YSRCP MPs and one Independent MP, taking the effective figure to around 340.
The BJP is also factoring in recent political developments in Maharashtra. Following the reported shift of six MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) camp to the Eknath Shinde faction, the NDA's strength could increase to around 346.
If Sharad Pawar's party, with eight MPs, extends support for a constitutional amendment such as the delimitation Bill, the alliance's tally could rise to approximately 354, leaving it just six MPs short of the two-thirds mark.
HOW WILL THE NDA FIND THE LAST SIX MPs?
Despite its calculations, the NDA still needs the support of six additional MPs to cross the two-thirds threshold. Keeping this in view, Home Minister Amit Shah has held a series of political meetings, including with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the six MPs who recently joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Political sources believe these meetings are linked to the BJP's efforts to strengthen its numbers ahead of the Monsoon Session. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has also indicated conditional support for the women's reservation and delimitation Bills, though political observers believe the conditions put forward by his party may not be acceptable to the government.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has also hinted that his party could consider supporting the government if its demands are met. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has three Lok Sabha MPs. If their support is secured, the NDA would still require the backing of three more MPs. Political sources believe that if the BJP is able to win over some MPs currently aligned with Mamata Banerjee, it could potentially bridge the remaining gap.
ALL-PARTY MEETING ON JULY 19
The Centre has convened an all-party meeting on July 19 ahead of the Monsoon Session. The government is expected to brief Opposition parties and other political stakeholders on its legislative agenda and the Bills likely to be introduced during the session.
Parliament's Monsoon Session will begin on July 20, followed by the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting on July 21, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address alliance MPs.
With high-level meetings, shifting political equations and intense speculation over key constitutional Bills, the run-up to the Monsoon Session has gathered significant political momentum. The focus will now be on whether the government can translate its parliamentary arithmetic into legislative success.
Ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session beginning July 20, the BJP has stepped up what party insiders describe as its 'Mission 360' as the Narendra Modi government prepares to revive the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on women's reservation and delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies while linking the two. The Bill failed to secure the required two-thirds majority during Parliament's three-day special session in April, prompting the ruling alliance to intensify efforts to shore up support before making another attempt.
According to political sources, the BJP believes the changing political landscape could improve the government's prospects this time. While the ruling party has begun an extensive outreach exercise to strengthen its numbers in Parliament, the Congress and other Opposition parties have also stepped up consultations ahead of the session.
Despite recent political churn involving the Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar's camp, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is still believed to be around six MPs short of the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment. Against this backdrop, the BJP has convened an all-party meeting on July 19, with political observers closely watching whether the government seeks to build broader support for the proposed legislation.
BJP HOLDS STRATEGY TALKS
The BJP has also stepped up its internal consultations ahead of the Monsoon Session. Over the past week, the party leadership has held several high-level meetings, including one at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. The meeting was attended by BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh.
Sources said the discussions focused on the government's parliamentary strategy for the Monsoon Session. However, B L Santhosh's presence has also fuelled speculation that the BJP may soon announce its new national team under the leadership of Nitin Nabin.
According to sources, extensive consultations have been underway within the organisation, with names of prospective office-bearers sought from various states. The new team is expected to be finalised from these recommendations.
Political sources said the meeting at the Prime Minister's residence went beyond organisational matters. The leadership also deliberated on the government's legislative agenda, the Opposition's likely strategy and the Bills expected to be introduced during the session. Among the proposals generating the most discussion are those related to delimitation and women's reservation.
GOVERNMENT SEES FAVOURABLE POLITICAL CLIMATE
Sources claim the government believes the current political landscape is more favourable than before, with the ruling alliance in a stronger position and the Opposition appearing relatively weaker.
According to sources, the stance of several regional parties could prove crucial. There is speculation that the 22-member DMK parliamentary contingent may support the government on certain issues.
A senior BJP leader claimed that the DMK's political position may differ from that of the Congress on key issues. While the party had strongly opposed the delimitation proposal earlier this year, the political situation has changed following the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The DMK has reportedly distanced itself from the Congress in Parliament, even deciding to sit separately in the House, raising the BJP's expectations of issue-based support.
WHAT'S BJP'S 'MISSION 360'?
The Lok Sabha has an effective strength of 540 members following three vacancies. A constitutional amendment requires the support of at least 360 MPs. According to political sources, the NDA currently has the backing of around 293 MPs. If it secures the support of the 20 MPs of the NCPI, who broke away from the Trinamool Congress, and the 22 MPs of the DMK, the tally could rise to around 335.
Government sources also point out that the alliance has, from time to time, received support from the four YSRCP MPs and one Independent MP, taking the effective figure to around 340.
The BJP is also factoring in recent political developments in Maharashtra. Following the reported shift of six MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) camp to the Eknath Shinde faction, the NDA's strength could increase to around 346.
If Sharad Pawar's party, with eight MPs, extends support for a constitutional amendment such as the delimitation Bill, the alliance's tally could rise to approximately 354, leaving it just six MPs short of the two-thirds mark.
HOW WILL THE NDA FIND THE LAST SIX MPs?
Despite its calculations, the NDA still needs the support of six additional MPs to cross the two-thirds threshold. Keeping this in view, Home Minister Amit Shah has held a series of political meetings, including with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the six MPs who recently joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Political sources believe these meetings are linked to the BJP's efforts to strengthen its numbers ahead of the Monsoon Session. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has also indicated conditional support for the women's reservation and delimitation Bills, though political observers believe the conditions put forward by his party may not be acceptable to the government.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has also hinted that his party could consider supporting the government if its demands are met. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has three Lok Sabha MPs. If their support is secured, the NDA would still require the backing of three more MPs. Political sources believe that if the BJP is able to win over some MPs currently aligned with Mamata Banerjee, it could potentially bridge the remaining gap.
ALL-PARTY MEETING ON JULY 19
The Centre has convened an all-party meeting on July 19 ahead of the Monsoon Session. The government is expected to brief Opposition parties and other political stakeholders on its legislative agenda and the Bills likely to be introduced during the session.
Parliament's Monsoon Session will begin on July 20, followed by the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting on July 21, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address alliance MPs.
With high-level meetings, shifting political equations and intense speculation over key constitutional Bills, the run-up to the Monsoon Session has gathered significant political momentum. The focus will now be on whether the government can translate its parliamentary arithmetic into legislative success.
