Jharkhand Rajya Sabha contest pits NDA-backed Nathwani against INDIA bloc

As polling stations opened in Jharkhand on Thursday, the Rajya Sabha race for two seats intensified into a high-stakes clash between the NDA and the ruling INDIA coalition. With three candidates vying for two positions, the outcome hinges on whether independent hopeful Parimal Nathwani can overcome a united opposition front.

Editorial·June 18, 2026·reads: 2,205

Jharkhand Rajya Sabha contest pits NDA-backed Nathwani against INDIA bloc

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo voiced strong confidence in the victory of independent candidate Parimal Nathwani, citing the Prime Minister’s welfare agenda as a key driver for support. Shah Deo dismissed criticism from the Congress party, labeling their rhetoric regarding Nathwani as regrettable and pointing to historical political alliances as evidence of hypocrisy.

Conversely, JMM General Secretary Mithilesh Kumar Thakur asserted that the INDIA bloc remains insulated from poaching attempts. Thakur framed the election as a referendum on political integrity, alleging that Nathwani relies on financial influence rather than public mandate. The contest remains tight, with the JMM’s Baidyanath Ram and Congress’s Pranav Jha representing the ruling coalition’s bid to secure their legislative numbers against the BJP-backed independent. Polling in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly is set to conclude at 4 pm, with results expected following the 5 pm count.