Tokyo, July 21 (H.S.): Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ruling coalition failed to secure a majority in the upper house of parliament during a crucial election, with public broadcaster NHK reporting that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito won only 47 out of the required 50 additional seats, maintaining control over 76. This marks the first instance since the LDP's establishment in 1955 that it has lost majority status in both houses.

Ishiba, despite the setback, intends to remain in office to avoid a political vacuum amid challenges like US tariff threats, though he may face internal pressure to resign or seek new coalition partners. He emphasized his commitment to fulfilling responsibilities as the head of the leading party.

Voter frustrations stemmed from rising prices, stagnant incomes, and high social security costs, alongside concerns over stricter measures impacting foreign residents. The fragmented opposition groups failed to present a unified alternative to the ruling coalition.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar