BJP-Backed Independent Candidate Wins Jharkhand Rajya Sabha Seat

In a significant political development, Parimal Nathwani, an Independent candidate backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has won one of the two available Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand. The election result was declared on June 18, 2026, following a closely contested ballot against Pranav Jha of the Indian National Congress.

Baidyanath Ram from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha secured the other available seat. Election sources indicate that Mr. Nathwani's victory was boosted by unexpected cross-voting from legislators belonging to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation).

In the final tally, Baidyanath Ram received 30 votes, Parimal Nathwani garnered 28 votes, and Pranav Jha managed a total of 20 votes. It was noted that three votes were declared invalid amidst the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly.

The political landscape in the assembly currently shows the ruling INDIA bloc possessing 56 members. This coalition comprises 34 members from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, 16 from Congress, four from RJD, and two from the CPI(ML) Liberation. In contrast, the opposition alliance, led predominantly by the BJP, consists of 24 members.

The RJD's decision to participate in cross-voting reportedly stemmed from grievances regarding the Congress’s performance during the recent Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar. Sources revealed that the RJD candidate, Amrendra Dhari Singh, suffered a loss when three Congress MLAs abstained from voting, ultimately enabling an NDA candidate to secure victory.

A senior RJD member commented anonymously on the cross-voting, suggesting that the actions were viewed as a form of retaliation against Congress. The source further noted, "Tejashwi Yadav ji has taken revenge. Even the Left parties followed us because the RJD commands respect, unlike the Congress party."

Following his electoral success, Mr. Nathwani, who has previously represented Jharkhand in the Rajya Sabha on two occasions, expressed his gratitude through a post on social media. He stated, "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve a fourth term as a Member of Rajya Sabha. This moment is filled with profound emotion as this will be my third term from Jharkhand, the very soil from where my Parliamentary journey began in 2008. It is a matter of immense pride and humility to return once again to my karmabhoomi."

Mr. Nathwani also extended his appreciation to the members of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly who supported him. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the interests and aspirations of Jharkhand and its people.

Opposition Leader Babulal Marandi also took to social media to convey his thanks, stating, "Heartfelt thanks to all the legislators committed to the NDA alliance and the development of the State, who have cast their votes in favour of Nathwani ji." This victory reflects shifting political alliances and underlines the complexities within the state’s electoral dynamics.