BJP’s Majority in Lok Sabha but Lack in Rajya Sabha: Exploring the Dynamics of India's Parliamentary System
India's parliamentary system, which includes both Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States), operates under unique and complex mechanisms designed to ensure checks and balances. The article How does BJP has majority in Lok Sabha but not in Rajya Sabha? delves into the specifics of this system. This article will provide a comprehensive analysis of why BJP achieved a majority in Lok Sabha yet wasn’t as successful in Rajya Sabha, highlighting the intricate and enduring nature of the Indian political landscape.
Understanding the Composition of Rajya Sabha
Rajya Sabha, often referred to as the Council of States, is an important part of the bicameral legislature of India. According to Article 80 of the Indian Constitution, it consists of a maximum of 250 members, including 12 members appointed by the President and 238 members elected by the State Legislative Assemblies on the basis of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
Proportional Representation and Single Transferable Vote
The Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system ensures that each state is allocated a certain number of seats based on the size of its legislative assembly. This proportional representation method does not guarantee a majority for a single party. For example, in the state of Gujarat, despite BJP being in power, only two out of the three elected members are from the BJP, while one member belongs to the Congress Party.
Fixed Tenure and Regular Elections
Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, and its membership remains unaffected by the party in power at the center. Every year, one-third of the members retire, and new elections are held biennially. This system ensures that while one-third of the members retire every two years, the overall tenure of a member spans six years, beginning from their first election. The retirement of members is not linked to the legislative assembly elections or changes in state governments, which occur every five years.
Historical Precedents and Recent Examples
The dynamics of Rajya Sabha have been evident in the past. In 1969, when the Congress split, the ruling faction in Lok Sabha did not have a majority in Rajya Sabha. Similarly, in 1977 when the Janata Party came to power, it did not have a majority in Rajya Sabha. In 1989, the National Front also lacked a majority in Rajya Sabha. These examples demonstrate that maintaining a majority in both houses is a significant challenge.
BJP's Experience with Rajya Sabha
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) experienced a similar scenario in the 2014 and 2019 general elections. In 2014, when the BJP secured a decisive majority in Lok Sabha, it was short in numbers in Rajya Sabha due to the system described. By 2019, the BJP had regained its majority in Rajya Sabha, but this may shift again if another party wins the Lok Sabha. This highlights the dynamic nature of the Indian political landscape.
Significance of Rajya Sabha in the Indian Political System
Rajya Sabha’s role is vital in sustaining the Indian parliamentary democracy, serving as a check and balance on the Lok Sabha. This system ensures that no single party can easily dominate both chambers, promoting a robust and equitable governance structure. While the BJP may hold a majority in Lok Sabha, the lack of majority in Rajya Sabha is a strategic consideration and part of the broader political dynamics of the nation.
Conclusion
The complexity and structural design of India's parliamentary system ensure that no single party can easily command a decisive majority in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. This balance is crucial for the preservation of democratic values and ensures that the Indian political system remains vibrant and resilient. The changes in political standings from one electoral cycle to another highlight the fluid nature of Indian politics, making the parliamentary system a global example of effective governance.