With 113 members in the Rajya Sabha after the recent elections, the ruling United Progressive Alliance may still be 10 short of a majority in the 245-member Upper House. But it may still pip the National Democratic Alliance at the post with the help of some neutral parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party and independents.

Besides its 70 members of Parliament, the Congress enjoys the support of 14 members from the Communist Party of India-Marxist, nine from the Rashtriya Janata Dal, four from the Nationalist Congress Party, three from the Revolutionary Socialist Party and two each from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Communist Party of India, and the Muslim League.

Besides, there is a member each from Forward Bloc, the Republican Party of India, Akhil Bhartiya Loktantrik Congress, Sikkim Democratic Front, Peoples Democratic Party, Pattali Makkal Katchi and the Janada Dal-Secular.

It might not be difficult for the Congress-led alliance to ensure a smooth sail at the time of voting on crucial bills or during election to the post of deputy chairperson, as the UPA can bank on some of the 11 independents and nine nominated members, besides 12 MPs from the Samajwadi Party, six from the BSP and four from the Indian National Lok Dal.

There is also an MP each from the Swatantra Bharat Paksh, Samata, National Conference, Haryana Vikas Party and Mizo National Front, all considered neutral. 

The NDA's tally of 83 is headed by the 49-member Bharatiya Janata Party, followed by the All India Anna DMK with 12, the Telugu Desam Party with nine, the Biju Janata Dal with five, the Shiv Sena with four, the Akali Dal with two and the Trinamool Congress and Nagaland People's Front with one each.   

The change in the House's complexion came about after the recent biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha. Two
seats -- one each in Delhi and Bihar -- are vacant.