Parimal Nathwani, the BJP-backed independent candidate, on Thursday won the Jharkhand Rajya Sabha elections with 28 votes. He received 30 votes in the Rajya Sabha election. However, two of those votes were declared invalid, taking his effective tally to 28 votes, exactly the number required to secure victory. BJP's Jharkhand Lok Sabha MP Nishikant Dubey claimed that Nathwani secured 28 votes, while Congress candidate Pranav Jha managed only 20 votes, and described the result as a major setback for the Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc). Meanwhile, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate Baidyanath Ram was elected to the Rajya Sabha with 30 votes after one vote got rejected.
"Congratulations to NDA-backed candidate Parimal Nathwani on his victory in the Rajya Sabha election from Jharkhand; he secured a total of 28 votes. The @INCIndia candidate received only 20 votes, and the Grand Alliance suffered a crushing defeat. @mpparimal," MP Nishikant Dubey said on X.
With Parimal Nathwani's victory in Jharkhand, the BJP-led NDA and other partners have reached 153. Four seats are vacant in the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal after four Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs including Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev, Prakash Chik Baraik, and Koel Mallick resigned. So, the total strength of the Rajya Sabha is 241 right now.
Parimal Nathwani expresses gratitude
Parimal Nathwani expressed gratitude and said, "Deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the fourth term as the 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. Extending sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, BJP National President Shri Nitin Nabin and the BJP-led NDA for their support. Heartfelt appreciation to every member of Jharkhand Legislative Assembly who voted and supported throughout this journey. With renewed commitment and sincerity, every effort will continue to advance the interests and aspirations of Jharkhand and its people. Johar Jharkhand!
Earlier in the day, Parimal Nathwani said, "I am very confident. I have faith in all MLAs; if given a chance to do so, I will definitely serve Jharkhand." When asked if he has Congress MLAs' support, he said, "I have everyone's support."
JMM candidate Baidyanath Ram elected
Nathwani's candidature made the Rajya Sabha contest in the state interesting, as there were three candidates for two seats in the state. The ruling JMM and Congress, which is an ally in the ruling coalition in the state, fielded a candidate each after reaching a seat-sharing pact.
Three candidates – BJP-backed independent nominee Parimal Nathwani, JMM’s Baidyanath Ram and Pranav Jha of the Congress – were in the fray for the two seats.
Prominent among 81 MLAs who exercised their franchise are Chief Minister Hemant Soren; Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Babulal Marandi; BJP chief whip Naveen Jaiswal; Congress Legislature Party leader Pradeep Yadav; and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radhakrishna Kishore. Polling in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly started at 9 am and continued till 4 pm, while the counting of votes started at 5 pm.
(Reported by Mukesh Sinha)
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INDIA bloc vs NDA in Jharkhand Rajya Sabha Polls today: Will Parimal Nathwani spring a surprise?
