**1999 Rajya Sabha Elections**
**Definition:**
The 1999 Rajya Sabha elections were held in India to elect members to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India. These elections involved the selection of members by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies, following the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
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## 1999 Rajya Sabha Elections
The 1999 Rajya Sabha elections were a significant event in the Indian parliamentary calendar, conducted to fill vacancies in the upper house of Parliament. The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is a permanent body that represents the states and union territories of India. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution but one-third of its members retire every two years, necessitating periodic elections.
The 1999 elections were held to elect members from various states whose terms were expiring, as well as to fill casual vacancies arising due to resignations, deaths, or disqualifications. These elections were crucial in shaping the composition of the Rajya Sabha during a politically dynamic period in India, marked by coalition governments and shifting alliances.
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### Background
The Rajya Sabha is composed of a maximum of 250 members, of which 238 are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and the remaining 12 are nominated by the President of India for their expertise in specific fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. Members serve staggered six-year terms, with one-third retiring every two years.
The 1999 elections were conducted under the framework established by the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Constitution of India. The electoral college for these elections consisted of the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies, who vote using a single transferable vote system to ensure proportional representation.
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### Political Context in 1999
The year 1999 was politically significant in India. The general elections held earlier that year resulted in the formation of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Rajya Sabha elections were therefore closely watched as they had the potential to influence the legislative agenda of the new government.
The composition of the Rajya Sabha is critical because it can either facilitate or obstruct the passage of legislation. Unlike the Lok Sabha, where the government is formed, the Rajya Sabha acts as a revising chamber and represents the interests of the states. The 1999 elections thus had implications for the balance of power between the central government and the states, as well as among political parties.
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### Electoral Process
The Rajya Sabha elections are indirect elections. Members of the State Legislative Assemblies cast their votes to elect Rajya Sabha members from their respective states. The number of seats allocated to each state is roughly proportional to its population.
The single transferable vote system allows electors to rank candidates in order of preference. This system ensures that the elected members represent a broad spectrum of political opinions and that minority groups have a chance of representation.
In 1999, elections were held in multiple states, each with a different number of seats up for election depending on the number of retiring members. The election schedule was announced by the Election Commission of India, which oversees the conduct of these elections to ensure fairness and transparency.
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### States Involved and Seats Contested
The 1999 Rajya Sabha elections involved several states across India. The number of seats contested varied by state, reflecting the staggered retirement of members. Some of the key states where elections were held include:
– Uttar Pradesh
– Maharashtra
– West Bengal
– Tamil Nadu
– Karnataka
– Andhra Pradesh
– Bihar
– Punjab
– Rajasthan
– Madhya Pradesh
Each state’s political landscape influenced the outcome of the elections, with regional parties playing a significant role alongside national parties.
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### Results and Party Performance
The 1999 Rajya Sabha elections resulted in a varied distribution of seats among the major political parties. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had recently come to power at the center, sought to increase its representation in the upper house to support its legislative agenda.
The Indian National Congress (INC), the principal opposition party, aimed to maintain its strength in the Rajya Sabha to provide effective opposition. Regional parties such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Samajwadi Party (SP), and others also secured seats, reflecting the federal nature of Indian politics.
The election outcomes were indicative of the fragmented and coalition-driven political environment of the time. While the BJP and its allies made gains, no single party achieved an outright majority in the Rajya Sabha, necessitating continued negotiation and alliance-building.
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### Impact on Parliamentary Functioning
The composition of the Rajya Sabha following the 1999 elections had a direct impact on the legislative process. The NDA government, despite its majority in the Lok Sabha, had to navigate a Rajya Sabha where opposition and regional parties held significant sway.
This dynamic influenced the passage of key bills and policies, requiring the government to engage in dialogue and compromise. The Rajya Sabha’s role as a revising chamber was underscored during this period, as it provided a platform for detailed scrutiny of legislation.
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### Notable Members Elected
The 1999 elections saw the entry and re-election of several prominent politicians to the Rajya Sabha. These members played important roles in parliamentary debates and committees, contributing to the shaping of national policy.
Some members elected in 1999 went on to hold significant positions within their parties and the government, influencing both state and national politics.
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### Subsequent By-elections
In addition to the regular elections, several by-elections were held in 1999 to fill casual vacancies caused by resignations, deaths, or disqualifications of sitting members. These by-elections further altered the composition of the Rajya Sabha and were closely monitored for their political implications.
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### Conclusion
The 1999 Rajya Sabha elections were a pivotal moment in India’s parliamentary history, reflecting the complexities of a multi-party democracy and the federal structure of the country. The elections underscored the importance of the Rajya Sabha as a chamber that balances regional interests and provides a check on the Lok Sabha.
The results shaped the legislative environment for the NDA government and highlighted the continuing significance of coalition politics in India. The 1999 elections reaffirmed the Rajya Sabha’s role as a forum for diverse political voices and a key institution in India’s democratic governance.
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**Meta Description:**
The 1999 Rajya Sabha elections in India were held to elect members to the upper house of Parliament, influencing the balance of power during a politically dynamic period. These elections reflected the federal and multi-party nature of Indian democracy.