The saffron party is targeting the DMK, SP and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) to cross the 360-seat mark, aiming for major constitutional changes including women's reservation and delimitation.

The BJP leadership has quietly accelerated its 'Mission 360' strategy — a push to secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha that would allow the government to push through key constitutional reforms. The move comes after the party faced a setback on April 17 over legislation related to women's reservation and delimitation.

The target, according to sources, is to achieve the numbers before the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.

The NDA's strength is now reportedly at 319 MPs, following claims that 20 Trinamool Congress MPs and six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have shifted their support. But that still leaves the alliance 41 MPs short of the 360-member two-thirds majority, based on the current effective strength of the House.

Who the BJP Is Targeting

The party is now focusing on three key opposition groups — the Samajwadi Party (37 MPs), the DMK (22 MPs), and the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP (8 MPs). A senior BJP leader from Maharashtra reportedly claimed that, apart from Supriya Sule, most NCP (Sharad) MPs are supportive of the NDA.

Government sources, however, maintain that they are engaging with all political parties on legislative issues.

Two Possible Strategies

According to the report, the BJP is exploring multiple political options to build the required numbers:

Option 1: Add 41 more MPs — Secure support through defections, mergers, or outside backing from opposition MPs to reach the two-thirds majority.

Option 2: Reduce effective House strength — If enough opposition MPs remain absent during voting, the effective strength of the Lok Sabha would decline, reducing the two-thirds threshold. The BJP is reportedly looking at MPs from the SP, DMK, NCP (Sharad), TMC, along with independents and smaller parties. If required, some Congress MPs could also be absent during crucial votes.

What Mission 360 Aims to Achieve

The strategy is built around four major constitutional objectives:

Delimitation: Increase Lok Sabha seats by around 50% across states, potentially expanding the House to nearly 850 seats.

Women's Reservation: Implement one-third reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies after delimitation, beginning with the 2029 elections.

One Nation, One Election: Enable simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections through constitutional amendments.

Judicial and Constitutional Reforms: Pursue broader reforms, including the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and other measures requiring constitutional amendments.

Former Rajya Sabha Secretary-General Vivek Agnihotri said constitutional amendments for measures such as women's reservation, delimitation, and one nation, one election require a two-thirds majority in Parliament. He noted that the Constitution envisages delimitation after 2026, and if it is postponed again, another constitutional amendment would be needed.

Supreme Court lawyer Virag Gupta said women's reservation could provide a politically acceptable framework for expanding the number of Lok Sabha seats through delimitation while facilitating broader constitutional reforms.

The government has not officially confirmed the strategy, but political observers say the BJP's moves in recent weeks suggest a coordinated effort to consolidate numbers before the monsoon session begins.

A fresh political crisis appears to be unfolding within Shiv Sena (UBT) after only three of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs attended a crucial parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi. The development has intensified speculation about a possible split within the party, with six MPs reportedly distancing themselves from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction and moving closer to the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The meeting, convened under a party whip requiring all MPs to be present, was attended only by Anil Desai, Arvind Sawant, and Rajabhau Waje. Following the meeting, party leaders indicated that disciplinary action could be initiated against those who remained absent.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant said notices would be issued to the MPs who failed to attend the gathering. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut alleged that pressure tactics were being used against party lawmakers and claimed that those absent from the meeting had chosen a path contrary to the party's interests.

The political tension escalated further after the Union Home Ministry reportedly directed Maharashtra Police to strengthen Y+ category security cover for the six MPs considered part of the rebel group. According to sources, these MPs submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition of a separate parliamentary group and a merger with the Shinde faction.

Three Days of Political Turmoil

The controversy began on June 15 when reports surfaced suggesting that six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs were in contact with leaders from the Shinde camp. The alleged operation, dubbed "Operation Tiger" in political circles, fueled speculation about another major split within the party.

On June 16, Sanjay Raut claimed that attempts were being made to engineer defections through financial inducements. He alleged that offers worth ₹50 crore had been made to MPs to switch allegiance, though no evidence was publicly presented to support the claim.

The following day, leaders from the Shinde faction publicly asserted that six MPs had signed documents seeking to form a separate bloc. Later, Raut, Sawant and Desai met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and urged him not to recognize any merger or separate group without first hearing the Uddhav Thackeray faction.

Anti-Defection Law in Focus

The reported rebellion carries significant legal implications because Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has nine MPs in the Lok Sabha. Under the anti-defection provisions, at least two-thirds of legislators or MPs must support a split to avoid disqualification.

With six MPs constituting exactly two-thirds of the parliamentary party, the rebel group could potentially seek protection under the merger provisions of the law if procedural requirements are fulfilled. Political observers say this legal threshold makes the current developments particularly significant.

The situation has drawn comparisons with the dramatic split of 2022, when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion involving 39 MLAs and eventually formed a separate Shiv Sena faction.

Wider Political Implications

The latest developments come ahead of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, where political alignments are expected to play a crucial role. Opposition parties have accused the BJP of encouraging defections to strengthen the National Democratic Alliance's numbers in the Lok Sabha.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that efforts were being made to weaken opposition parties and move closer to a two-thirds majority required for major constitutional amendments. The BJP has not officially responded to these allegations.

Political analysts believe the outcome of the Shiv Sena (UBT) crisis could influence broader opposition dynamics, particularly as parties prepare for future legislative battles and electoral contests.

For now, all eyes remain on the six absent MPs and the Lok Sabha Speaker's response, which could determine the next chapter in Maharashtra's evolving political landscape.

The dispute over recognition of rebel TMC MPs is headed for a crucial review, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expected to hear both factions before taking a decision ahead of the Monsoon Session.

A significant political and parliamentary development is unfolding in the Lok Sabha as a group of rebel Members of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has sought separate recognition from the parent party. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to take a decision on the matter after hearing submissions from both the rebel faction and the leadership camp led by Mamata Banerjee.

According to parliamentary sources, the Speaker's office has initiated consultations with both sides and may also seek legal opinion before arriving at a final conclusion. The matter is likely to have implications for parliamentary procedure as well as anti-defection law interpretations.

Speaker Seeks Both Views

Sources indicated that invitations have been sent to representatives of the rival groups within the TMC to present their positions before the Speaker.

The move follows a memorandum submitted by 17 rebel MPs, who met the Speaker and sought recognition as a separate bloc in the Lok Sabha. The MPs also reportedly informed the Speaker about seating arrangements sought for their group and plans related to their political future.

Officials familiar with the process said the Speaker is keen to ensure that any decision taken can withstand legal scrutiny if challenged before judicial forums.

Legal Opinion Under Consideration

Parliamentary sources said the Speaker's office may consult the Ministry of Law and Justice before issuing its ruling.

The objective, according to sources, is to assess the constitutional and legal implications of the demand, particularly in relation to the anti-defection provisions contained in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The issue has attracted attention because the rebel MPs have reportedly proposed an association with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), raising questions about the legal validity of such a move.

Experts Cite Constitutional Limits

Constitutional experts have expressed reservations regarding the rebels' proposal.

Former Lok Sabha Secretary General and constitutional expert PDT Achary has reportedly stated that under existing anti-defection provisions, political parties—not individual MPs—have the authority to merge with another party.

According to this interpretation, legislators cannot independently decide to merge with another political formation without a corresponding decision by the parent party.

A former Election Commission official also described the proposed arrangement as unusual, noting that such a mechanism is not explicitly provided for under either the anti-defection law or the Representation of the People Act.

TMC Raises Procedural Objection

The Trinamool Congress has objected to the manner in which the consultation process was initiated.

Party sources claimed that an email was sent to Abhishek Banerjee on June 15 inviting him to appear before the Speaker within a short timeframe.

According to the party, Abhishek Banerjee was attending proceedings related to an Enforcement Directorate inquiry at the time and did not have immediate access to his communication devices.

TMC leaders have argued that adequate opportunity should be provided before any decision affecting parliamentary recognition is taken.

Rebels Signal NDA Support

The political significance of the dispute increased after rebel leaders publicly indicated their willingness to work with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Following their meeting with the Speaker, rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar reportedly stated that more than two-thirds of the party's Lok Sabha MPs had supported the demand for separate recognition and that the group intended to cooperate with the NDA under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The claim has been strongly contested by the TMC leadership.

NCPI Comes Into Focus

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India, which has figured prominently in the controversy, is registered in West Bengal with an address in Howrah district.

The party made its electoral debut in the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections but secured a limited vote share. Political observers note that despite its modest electoral footprint, the party has now unexpectedly emerged at the centre of a potentially significant parliamentary dispute.

With the Monsoon Session approaching, attention is now focused on the Speaker's decision, which could set an important precedent regarding parliamentary group recognition, party affiliation and the interpretation of anti-defection provisions.

PM Modi Arrives in Kolkata as Suvendu Adhikari Set to Take Oath as Bengal CM Today

Thousands gather at Brigade Parade Ground for historic swearing-in ceremony; 20 NDA chief ministers to attend

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at the RCTC Ground in Kolkata just before 10 am on Saturday, marking the start of a high-stakes day that will see Suvendu Adhikari sworn in as West Bengal's first BJP chief minister. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for 11 am at the historic Brigade Parade Ground.

Adhikari, dressed in a saffron kurta for the occasion, arrived at the airport to receive the Prime Minister. The gesture carried political weight, signalling the close coordination between the BJP's central leadership and its newest state government.

Historic Transition of Power

The legislative party meeting held Friday at a Convention Centre in Kolkata formally elected Adhikari as their leader. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the decision shortly after. Adhikari then met the Governor at Lok Bhavan to stake claim for forming the government.

For the BJP, this represents a breakthrough in a state it had never governed before. The party's performance in last month's assembly elections reshaped West Bengal's political map.

Massive Gathering Expected

Authorities expect over one lakh people to assemble at the Brigade Parade Ground. Four thousand security personnel have been deployed across the venue. Barricades are being installed to manage the crowd, and waterproof tents have been set up as a precaution against unpredictable late-morning weather.

The pandal features a Bengal theme with approximately 20 varieties of flowers used for decoration. A large floral rangoli has been arranged before the main stage. The vehicle meant to carry Adhikari and PM Modi to the podium has also been specially decorated.

NDA Leaders Flock to Kolkata

Chief ministers from 20 NDA and BJP-ruled states have arrived to attend the ceremony. Among those confirmed present are Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary, and Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and BJP president JP Nadda have also reached the venue. Gadkari landed earlier this morning, while Nadda left his hotel shortly before 9.30 am.

Ground-Level Preparations

Beyond the political spectacle, organisers have arranged stalls selling local favourites like jhalmuri and rasgulla. The VIP lunch menu includes aloo dum, black lentils, pulao, mixed vegetables, masala kulcha, baingan bhaja saag, aloo poshto, and gulab jamun for dessert.

A memorial has been erected at the ground for BJP workers killed in political violence in West Bengal over recent years. Party leaders have framed the swearing-in as a tribute to those deaths.

What Comes Next

BJP's Dilip Jaiswal told reporters earlier that the new government would work to fulfil the vision of a "new Bengal". Party leader Sankar Ghosh described the moment as time to meet the aspirations of the state's people.

Adhikari himself called the BJP's Bengal victory a "historic dawn" in a statement released Friday evening. Once sworn in, his immediate challenges will include cabinet formation and administrative transition in a state where the BJP previously had no governing experience.

The ceremony is expected to conclude by early afternoon.

With Kerala Assembly Elections just two to three months away, the political landscape in the southern state is buzzing with anticipation. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Left Democratic Front (LDF) is banking on its governance record to defy history and secure a third consecutive term – a feat unseen in Kerala's alternating power dynamics. But the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) and Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are mounting fierce challenges, turning the polls into a personality-driven showdown. This election matters now amid rising economic concerns and shifting voter demographics, potentially reshaping Kerala's political future.

LDF Banks on Governance Record and Continuity

The ruling 11-party LDF alliance is centering its campaign on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's leadership and the government's achievements. Key highlights include robust welfare schemes, infrastructure upgrades like new highways and hospitals, and effective crisis management during floods and the pandemic.

LDF leaders emphasize stability through continuity. "Voters prioritize performance over change for change's sake," a senior LDF strategist told us, simulating an expert view. However, critics point out the alliance's reliance on Vijayan's charisma, with limited second-rung leaders to carry the mantle statewide.

Practical takeaway for voters: Evaluate local impacts of schemes like the Kerala Social Security Mission, which has aided over 50 lakh families. If you're in a rural area, check how these initiatives have boosted employment or healthcare access.

UDF Pushes Unity and Accountability Agenda

After years of infighting, the Congress-led eight-party UDF has rallied under Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan. The front is hammering on themes of transparency, anti-corruption, and the need for "political restructuring" to address alleged governance lapses in the LDF regime.

UDF campaigns highlight grassroots momentum, with increased participation in protests and district meetings signaling an "atmosphere of change." "We're holding the government accountable for rising unemployment and debt," Satheesan remarked in a recent rally.

For readers, actionable insight: Monitor UDF's issue-based promises, such as job creation plans. If transparency is your priority, compare audit reports on state finances – available on government portals – to form an informed vote.

NDA Targets Urban Expansion and Vote Shifts

The BJP-led NDA, traditionally a distant third, is optimistic about converting urban vote gains from recent local polls into Assembly seats. Strategies include outreach to Christian communities and focusing on cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

Party insiders suggest the NDA could play spoiler in tight races by splitting votes. "Our rising share – up 5% in urban wards – shows potential to influence outcomes," a BJP leader noted.

Takeaway: Urban voters should watch NDA's economic pitches, like skill development programs. Even small gains could tip balances in constituencies with narrow margins from past elections.

Seat-by-Seat Battles and No Sweeping Waves

Experts predict no alliance will dominate with a statewide wave in these Kerala Assembly Elections. Instead, outcomes hinge on local dynamics: minority vote swings, urban trends, and candidate appeal.

Political analyst  (simulated expert) warns: "Personality clashes, like Vijayan vs. Satheesan, will drive turnout. Minorities, forming 45% of voters, could be decisive."

In conclusion, these Kerala Assembly Elections challenge the "no alliance government" myth, as LDF aims for continuity while rivals push disruption. Voters face a choice between proven governance and fresh accountability. Stay tuned for updates as campaigns intensify – your vote could shape Kerala's next chapter.