RANCHI/AIZAWL: In a surprising turn of events, NDA-backed Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani crushed Congress's hopes of securing a Rajya Sabha seat from Jharkhand in Thursday's elections, exposing cracks within the INDIA bloc. Meanwhile, the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) comfortably won Mizoram's lone Upper House seat.
Uncontested wins in other states
Contests in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Rajasthan concluded on June 11, the last day for withdrawal of nominations. The BJP won three seats in Madhya Pradesh, while Congress secured three seats and BJP one in Karnataka. In Rajasthan, the BJP bagged two seats and Congress one, all unopposed.
Jharkhand's nail-biting contest
Jharkhand's Rajya Sabha election went down to the wire. In the 81-member assembly, the INDIA bloc held a clear edge with 56 MLAs—34 from JMM, 16 from Congress, four from RJD, and two from CPI-ML Liberation—against the NDA's 24. Under a 1:1 seat-sharing pact, JMM fielded former minister Baidyanath Ram, and Congress nominated Pranav Jha.
Ram won 30 votes, while Nathwani secured 28, enough to clinch the second berth. Jha finished third with 20 votes. Three ballots were declared invalid.
Congress's Jharkhand affairs in-charge K Raju alleged, "An Independent candidate has once again resorted to horse-trading under BJP's patronage. While our own MLAs and four from JMM remained intact, MLAs from RJD and CPI-ML did not support us."
CPI-ML rejected Congress's allegations. State secretary Manoj Bhakt said both its MLAs voted for Jha. "Congress is resorting to baseless rhetoric to conceal its own weaknesses," he said.
The BJP hailed the result, saying legislators voted according to their conscience.
Mizoram's smooth election
In Mizoram, ZPM candidate K Laltluangkima, aged 63, cruised to victory. Returning officer Zothansanga Ralte said the turnout was 36 in the 40-member assembly. ZPM's W Chhuanawma did not vote due to health issues, while two BJP MLAs and the lone Congress legislator abstained. The Mizo National Front, which has 10 MLAs, fielded Zothansangi Hmar. Sources said Laltluangkima secured 26 votes against Hmar's 10.
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About the Author: ASRP Mukesh holds over 15 years of journalistic experience. He covers government, politics, and human interest stories from Jharkhand.
