India, Feb. 19 -- The NDA led by the BJP is set to cross the half mark in the 245-member Rajya Sabha this year as 37 seats from 10 States got to polls next month. The alliance is expected to take its tally to at least 135-137 seats, including the nominated members. The party, which has 102 seats in the Upper House, is in power or part of the ruling alliance in six of the 10 States where seats are falling vacant.

The BJP is likely to win at least half of the seats going polls on March 16. The seats will fall vacant on April 2 and 9 following the retirement of several members, including Rajya Sabha deputy

chairman Harivansh (JDU), NCP-SP MP Sharad Pawar, former Lok Sabha deputy Speaker M Thambidurai and Union ministers Ram Nath Thakurand ...