Defections Reshape Parliamentary Dynamics: NDA's Two-Thirds Majority Quest and Anti-Defection Law Test

Livemint - Politics · 21 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Polity and constitution High relevance

Recent defections from TMC, Shiv Sena (UBT), and AAP to NDA could alter parliamentary arithmetic for passing constitutional amendments, while testing the Tenth Schedule's anti-defection provisions.

Key points

NDA's parliamentary arithmetic: The alliance currently has 293 Lok Sabha MPs and needs 362 for two-thirds majority to pass constitutional amendments like the delimitation Bill, falling short by 69 seats despite recent defections.

TMC defections: 20 rebel MPs merging with NCPI could increase NDA's tally to 313 in Lok Sabha, still 49 short of two-thirds, while Rajya Sabha gains may reach 154 seats (9 short) after West Bengal bypolls.

Shiv Sena (UBT) speculation: Potential defection of 6 MPs would still leave NDA 43 seats short in Lok Sabha, demonstrating the mathematical challenge despite political realignments.

Constitutional implications: The defections test Paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule, requiring two-thirds of a party's legislators to merge, with Speaker's decision pending on TMC-NCPI merger validity.

[GS2-Polity] This connects to constitutional amendment procedures under Article 368, requiring special majority in both Houses, making defection politics crucial for legislative agenda.

Opposition bloc weakening: INDIA alliance lost DMK (8 MPs) and AAP (3 MPs), reducing its Rajya Sabha strength to 64, while unaligned parties like YSRCP (7) and BJD (6) hold swing votes.

[GS3-Economy] Political instability from defections could delay economic reforms like the delimitation Bill, impacting fiscal federalism and women's representation in legislatures.

Historical context: The 91st Constitutional Amendment (2003) removed the 'split' loophole in anti-defection law, making current defections legally contentious if not meeting two-thirds merger criteria.

Way Forward: Strengthen the Tenth Schedule by mandating immediate by-elections for defected seats, establishing an independent tribunal for anti-defection cases, and introducing recall provisions for MPs changing allegiance.

Key terms

Tenth Schedule

The anti-defection law introduced via the 52nd Constitutional Amendment (1985) and amended by the 91st Amendment (2003). It disqualifies legislators who voluntarily give up party membership or vote against party whip, except when two-thirds of a party's members merge with another party. Crucial for maintaining party discipline and parliamentary stability.

Article 368

The constitutional provision governing amendment procedures. It requires special majority (two-thirds of members present and voting plus majority of total membership) for most amendments, and additional ratification by states for federalism-related changes. Central to understanding legislative-executive relations.

Delimitation Bill

Proposed legislation to redraw parliamentary constituencies, currently frozen until 2026 by the 84th Amendment. Politically sensitive as it affects state representation and requires constitutional amendment, making two-thirds majority crucial for passage.

INDIA Bloc

The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, a coalition of 26 opposition parties formed in 2023 to counter NDA. Its weakening through defections impacts parliamentary democracy and balance of power, relevant for GS2 governance questions.