BJP-backed candidate wins Jharkhand Rajya Sabha seat amid cross-voting by allies of ruling bloc

While JMM nominee Baijnath Ram comfortably secured a seat, independent candidate Parimal Nathwani, backed by the BJP-led NDA, defeated Congress candidate Pranav Jha in a closely watched contest.

Ram received 30 votes, Nathwani secured 28, while Jha managed 19 votes. Three votes were declared invalid.

As per NDTV's sources, MLAs from the RJD and CPI(ML), both part of the broader opposition alliance in the state, voted in favour of Nathwani. The RJD has four MLAs in the Jharkhand Assembly, while CPI(ML) has two.

Congress falls short despite support from JMM

According to the voting pattern, the Congress candidate received support from the party's 16 MLAs and four legislators from ally Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).

The JMM, which has 34 MLAs in the Assembly, used two additional votes to ensure the victory of its own candidate, Baijnath Ram. The remaining votes were distributed among alliance partners.

The result exposed cracks within the opposition camp, with the alleged cross-voting proving decisive in Nathwani's victory.

Nathwani thanks PM Modi, BJP leadership

Following his win, Nathwani, who will enter the Upper House for a fourth term, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leaders for their support.

"Deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the fourth term as the Member of Rajya Sabha. This moment is filled with profound emotion," Nathwani wrote on X.

He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president Nitin Nabin and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Result seen as boost for NDA ahead of Monsoon session

The victory comes at a politically significant time, with Parliament's monsoon session approaching and the government expected to revive key legislative proposals, including women's reservation and delimitation-related measures.

Political observers view the Jharkhand result as part of a broader trend that could strengthen the NDA's position in Parliament, particularly amid developments in West Bengal and Maharashtra that could alter the numerical balance between the ruling alliance and the Opposition.

NDA eyes stronger numbers in Parliament

The NDA currently has 298 members in the Lok Sabha, compared to the Opposition's 184. Another 38 MPs are considered non-aligned.

To pass a Constitutional Amendment Bill, the government requires a two-thirds majority.

With possible realignments in the Trinamool Congress and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction, the NDA is expected to gain additional support, potentially narrowing the gap needed for such legislation.

In the Rajya Sabha, the NDA currently holds 150 seats. A two-thirds majority in the Upper House requires 164 members, based on the current effective strength of 245 MPs.

The Jharkhand Rajya Sabha result is therefore being seen as a symbolic as well as numerical boost for the ruling alliance ahead of a crucial parliamentary session.