Cross-voting buzz clouds Jharkhand Rajya Sabha Poll

Speculation Grows Over Support for Independent Candidate Parimal Nathwani

Ranchi, June 18: Voting for the two Rajya Sabha seats from Jharkhand concluded on Thursday evening, triggering intense political speculation over the outcome. While the election results are awaited, reports from political circles suggest that cross-voting may have taken place, potentially affecting the prospects of Congress candidate Pranav Jha.

According to sources, three Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLAs are believed to have voted in favour of Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani, who is backed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). There is also speculation that two Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLAs and one CPI (ML) legislator may have supported Nathwani. However, no party has officially confirmed these claims, and no action has been initiated regarding the alleged cross-voting.

A total of 81 MLAs cast their votes in the election. Three candidates are contesting for the two Rajya Sabha seats—JMM’s Baidyanath Ram, Congress nominee Pranab Jha and Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani.

Political observers believe that Baidyanath Ram’s victory is almost certain, given the strength of the ruling alliance. The main contest is believed to be for the second seat, where Congress candidate Pranav Jha is facing a challenge from Nathwani. Reports of possible cross-voting have intensified speculation that Nathwani may have gained an advantage.

Under the election rules, a candidate requires at least 28 first-preference votes to secure victory.

The INDIA bloc currently has 56 MLAs in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly. This includes 34 MLAs from JMM, 16 from Congress, four from RJD and two from CPI (ML). The NDA has 24 MLAs, including 21 BJP legislators and one MLA each from AJSU, JD(U) and LJP (Ram Vilas). In addition, the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) has one MLA.

With voting now complete, all eyes are on the counting process and the final results, which will reveal whether the reported cross-voting has had any impact on the outcome of the Rajya Sabha election.