In a surprising turn of events in Jharkhand, NDA-backed Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani secured a victory in the Rajya Sabha elections, defeating Congress nominee Pranav Jha despite the INDIA bloc’s majority in the Assembly. The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) ensured the election of its candidate Baidyanath Ram, while the Congress faced a setback as its candidate failed to gather enough support from alliance partners.
Baidyanath Ram comfortably secured 30 valid votes, ensuring his election, while Nathwani crossed the winning mark with 28 votes, despite the BJP-led NDA having only 24 MLAs in the 81-member Assembly. The Congress candidate, Pranav Jha, managed to secure only 20 votes. Nathwani’s victory was made possible through cross-voting and support from legislators outside the BJP-led alliance.
The election result was a major setback for the INDIA bloc, which holds a significant majority in the Assembly but failed to secure both Rajya Sabha seats. The NDA, with 24 legislators, needed four more votes to secure a seat, leading to Nathwani’s victory through cross-voting. Allegations were made that MLAs of alliance partners Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the CPI-ML did not support the Congress nominee.
The election in Jharkhand generated significant political interest, with both the ruling coalition and the opposition engaging in strategic meetings. The INDIA bloc fielded two candidates, while Nathwani contested as an Independent with NDA backing. The voting process in the Assembly complex involved all 81 legislators, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren and other leaders from both sides.
Expressing gratitude for his victory, Nathwani highlighted the significance of serving another term in the Rajya Sabha, especially from Jharkhand where his parliamentary journey began. He pledged to continue working for the development and aspirations of Jharkhand, emphasizing his commitment to advancing the state’s interests and the well-being of its people. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey congratulated Nathwani on the win, noting the significant setback for the Mahagathbandhan.
