Industrialist Parimal Nathwani has entered the competition for two Rajya Sabha seats from Jharkhand, running as an Independent candidate with the support of NDA MLAs. Before filing his nomination, Nathwani met with BJP legislators and allies, discussing election strategies and garnering support. Expressing confidence in his victory, Nathwani refrained from discussing specific numbers but highlighted his past contributions to the state.
Nathwani, a former Rajya Sabha member from Jharkhand, emphasized his previous developmental initiatives and hoped for legislative backing based on his established track record. The Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, announced the party’s decision to support Nathwani, citing the BJP’s insufficient numbers to secure a seat independently. Marandi praised Nathwani as a proven candidate with prior experience representing the state in the Upper House.
While the ruling alliance criticized the BJP’s support for Nathwani, alleging potential MLA horse-trading, Congress and JMM leaders voiced concerns over the democratic process’s integrity. The Congress has nominated Pranav Jha, and the JMM has put forward Baijnath Ram as their candidates for the Rajya Sabha seats from Jharkhand. With a third contender in the mix, the Rajya Sabha race has taken an intriguing turn.
