BJP Has Slim Lead Over Opposition In Numbers Game On Farm Bills | Read

The Rajya Sabha is set for a potentially explosive Sunday showdown over the farm bills, with the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress each trying to engineer enough support to either pass or defeat the three pieces of legislation. All three sailed through the Lok Sabha earlier this week but could face a stronger challenge in the Upper House, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party does not have a majority on its own and will need help from allies - within and outside the NDA. There have been widespread protests over the "anti-farmer" bills, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, despite PM Modi's assurances that farmers can still avail a Minimum Sale Price (MSP). The protests included one from long-time BJP ally Akali Dal; the Punjab party withdrew its representative from the Union Cabinet on Friday and is said to be reviewing its ties with the BJP-led NDA.