Modi's BJP gains ground in India’s upper house after AAP lawmakers defect - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitwFBVV95cUxPS3NSYXdCaXA2bHRyYU5zMk4zR1JtV0dPTkVMbWlMQkNCUEhkMG5pT0pJa0hTRWRzcS03Z29yWG5lQkhRV0x6cXlEaEd1bW1DLVRJRUM3VzhKRU5obGZtdlZFS1cta00wa0wzRmVSWVl5em1lQ0tTNjFCelpzMFVsSUl5S2dIeHFmZGd1Y2hwVVVJaFRXY0ZfQlZnOTVONldkQmlxWjJSUTIweW40Mk5FTXJBYTR1cWs?oc=5" target="_blank">Modi's BJP gains ground in India’s upper house after AAP lawmakers defect</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

Seven opposition lawmakers from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), strengthening its position in India's Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament.

The BJP's strength in the Rajya Sabha increased to 113 seats after seven AAP members merged with the party, leaving AAP with just three seats in the 245-member chamber.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces challenges to its national party status following defections of seven Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP, with concerns over retaining recognition ahead of upcoming state elections.

The BJP's Rajya Sabha seats increased from 106 to 113 after seven AAP MPs joined, bringing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) closer to a two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments.

Raghav Chadha and two other AAP Rajya Sabha MPs formally joined the BJP, marking a significant split in AAP and boosting BJP's numbers in the Upper House.

Following the merger of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs into the BJP, the National Democratic Alliance's tally in the Upper House nears 149, with the BJP now holding 113 seats.

The BJP's increased numbers in the Rajya Sabha following AAP defections may impact political dynamics in Punjab, potentially benefiting the Congress party in upcoming state elections.