The BJP has gained the much-awaited upper hand in the Upper House as the largest party, even as it does not have a majority. This is owing to three factors: the recent elections to the Rajya Sabha in Madhya Pradesh which tilted the scales, the election of M Venkaiah Naidu as Vice-President, and the switching of sides by the Janata Dal (United). The Opposition has so far been a force to reckon with in the Rajya Sabha. That may change.

Having a majority in the Rajya Sabha is key to the BJP’s idea of a “Congress-mukt Bharat”. The Opposition in the Upper House has mounted effective arguments against the Sangh Parivar's politics, demonetisation, the GST Bill, the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill, and amendments to speeches of the President. Compared to the Lok Sabha, the Upper House has showed more vigour in discussing issues such as mob lynching, the role of self-styled cow protectors and vigilantes in spreading violence, and the attacks against Dalits and minorities.

The new scenario will help the BJP determine and control discussions in the Rajya Sabha. In the Lok Sabha, Opposition MPs have criticised Speaker Sumitra Mahajan’s actions and decisions, such as the use of money Bills. The chairman has the principal role in deciding the business of the Rajya Sabha. According to the rule book, the chairman is not bound to give reasons for decisions.

The Vice-President is expected to act in an unbiased manner. Naidu’s predecessor, Hamid Ansari, did not mince words to criticise the Centre or the Opposition on issues such as protests in the well or the increasing numbers of money Bills. “Can we just accept the growing insularity, intolerance and discrimination? Have we made sufficient investments in improving our human capital and public goods?” Ansari asked at ‘The Hindu Huddle’ held in February this year. Will such questions be articulated now?

Deputy Editor

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