BJP's 'Mission 360': Is the NDA 6 MPs short of a two-thirds majority?
With Parliament's Monsoon Session set to begin on July 20, the BJP government seems to be reviving its push for what is being described as
With Parliament's Monsoon Session set to begin on July 20, the BJP government seems to be reviving its push for what is being described as 'Mission 360' – an exercise to secure the two-thirds majority required to pass key constitutional amendment Bills – including those related to women's reservation and delimitation. According to political sources, the government could once again attempt to introduce legislation on women's reservation and the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies. Similar efforts during the special session of Parliament in April reportedly fell short due to a lack of numbers. Three months later, the government is once again working on its legislative strategy. Read Full Story As the BJP intensifies efforts to shore up support in Parliament, the Congress and other Opposition parties have also begun coordinating their strategy ahead of the session. Even after the political churn within the Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and the changing political equations involving Sharad Pawar, the BJP-led Democratic Alliance (NDA) is still believed to be six MPs short of the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment. Against this backdrop, the Centre has convened an all-party meeting on July 19, with political circles speculating that the government could use the opportunity to build consensus on the proposed legislation. BJP HOLDS STRATEGY TALKS The BJP has 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. BJP'S 'MISSION 360' The Lok Sabha has an effective strength of 540 members following three vacancies.
The BriefWire