Rajya Sabha Elections for 8 Seats on June 19; Opposition Set to Gain 2 More Members

Opposition alliance may gain two additional Rajya Sabha seats after biennial polls on June 19 for eight seats—two from Assam and six from Tamil Nadu—vacated due to retirements. In Tamil Nadu, DMK currently holds three seats, and may increase to four or Congress could gain one, strengthening the UPA. In Assam, retiring MPs belong to BJP and ally AGP, but assembly strength suggests Congress or its ally may win one seat. The ruling NDA holds a majority with 128 members, while the INDIA bloc has 89. Currently, eight Rajya Sabha seats are vacant, including four from J&K and four nominated.