Voting for two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand began on Thursday with JMM, Congress and BJP-backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani locked in a keenly watched contest.
Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani, backed by the BJP, files his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha election at the Jharkhand Assembly in Ranchi on June 8, 2026. BJP MLA C.P. Singh is also seen in the picture. (Photo: IANS)
Voting for two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand began on Thursday, setting the stage for a closely watched contest involving candidates backed by the ruling INDIA bloc and the BJP-supported independent nominee Parimal Nathwani.
The election has drawn attention after Nathwani entered the fray as an independent candidate with the backing of the BJP, creating a three-cornered contest for two seats. The ruling alliance has fielded one candidate each from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress.
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As polling got underway in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, leaders from both camps expressed confidence about the outcome.
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JMM General Secretary Mithilesh Kumar Thakur claimed the ruling alliance was comfortably placed and dismissed suggestions that its legislators could be influenced during the election.
“The numbers are on our side. We are in a comfortable position. It is the BJP’s character to make a ‘dhan kuber’ (wealthy person) their pawn so that they can poach MLAs. But there is no MLA up for sale in the INDIA bloc,” Thakur told reporters.
He also targeted Nathwani, alleging that his past electoral successes were linked to his financial strength.
“Everyone knows the background of Parimal Nathwani. On the basis of his wealth, he gets elected from Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh. But he will face defeat this time,” Thakur said.
Nathwani, however, projected confidence and said he trusted all members of the Assembly.
“I am very confident… I have faith in all MLAs; if given a chance to do so, I will definitely serve Jharkhand,” he said after arriving at the Assembly complex.
Asked whether he had support from Congress legislators as well, Nathwani replied, “I have everyone’s support.”
The BJP-backed candidate had earlier filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha election, saying he would seek support based on the work he had done.
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo also expressed confidence that Nathwani would emerge victorious.
“We are confident that our NDA-supported independent candidate, Parimal Nathwani, will win with a large majority. People will vote for him based on his work and the Prime Minister’s policies for public welfare,” Shah Deo said.
He also criticised Congress leaders for their remarks against Nathwani, calling such comments regrettable.
The contest features JMM candidate Baidyanath Ram, Congress nominee Pranav Jha and independent candidate Parimal Nathwani.
Polling began at 9 am in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly and will continue till 4 pm. Counting is scheduled to start at 5 pm, after which the results will be declared.
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