A dispute has arisen within the Opposition alliance in Bihar regarding the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections for five seats, revealing divisions among the partners before finalizing candidate names. RJD MLA Bhai Virendra has advocated for Hena Shahab as a Grand Alliance nominee for the Rajya Sabha. In response, Akhtarul Iman, the state president and MLA of AIMIM, expressed displeasure when questioned about supporting an RJD candidate.
Iman stated that the RJD should endorse AIMIM this time instead of expecting their support. He emphasized that AIMIM lacks representation in the Rajya Sabha and hinted at the possibility of fielding a Dalit candidate. These remarks highlight AIMIM’s intention to negotiate firmly within the Opposition Bloc.
Bhai Virendra reiterated his support for nominating a Muslim representative from the RJD quota to the Upper House, specifically proposing Hena Shahab, the wife of former MP Mohammad Shahabuddin. He maintained that a minority candidate, particularly Hena Shahab, should be selected this time. To secure a Rajya Sabha seat, a candidate requires the backing of 41 MLAs.
The NDA, with 202 MLAs, is well-positioned to win four out of five seats, while the Grand Alliance of the Opposition, with 35 MLAs, cannot secure a seat without AIMIM’s support. If the five AIMIM MLAs and one BSP MLA align with the Grand Alliance, they could potentially win the fifth seat, making AIMIM a crucial player in the process. The RJD has not officially declared any candidate yet, but Bhai Virendra’s endorsement of Hena Shahab carries significance due to his proximity to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav.
Hena Shahab’s late husband, Mohammad Shahabuddin, retains influence among certain sections of the Muslim community, and their son, Osama Shahab, currently serves as an RJD MLA. On the other hand, NDA allies are also asserting their claims, with the HAM seeking a Rajya Sabha seat. Jitan Ram Manjhi, the party patron and Union Minister, mentioned that HAM had been promised two Lok Sabha and one Rajya Sabha seat by the NDA leadership. As alliances face strain and negotiations escalate, the competition for the fifth Rajya Sabha seat in Bihar is becoming a test of political calculations and unity among rival factions.
