BJP's Rajya Sabha Strategy Shift Sparks Intense Speculation in Bihar
Political circles in Patna were abuzz with intense speculation on Sunday, just a day ahead of the crucial biennial elections for five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar scheduled for March 16. The focus centered on a potential strategic shift by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with rumors suggesting that the party may have altered its candidate order, placing its second official nominee, Shivesh Ram, behind party president Nitin Nabin and RLM nominee Upendra Kushwaha.
This calculated move would effectively position Ram as the fifth candidate from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the electoral fray, raising significant questions about the alliance's internal dynamics and vote management strategies.
Original Candidate List and Current Political Landscape
When the BJP initially announced its candidates earlier this month, the order was clear: Nitin Nabin was placed first, followed by Shivesh Ram in second position, and Upendra Kushwaha, a sitting Rajya Sabha member, in third. The Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] has nominated Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union minister Ram Nath Thakur, who is also a sitting Rajya Sabha member. Completing the list is the sixth candidate, Amarendra Dhari Singh of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), another incumbent Rajya Sabha member.
With the BJP holding 89 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and the JD(U) commanding 85, the victory of four NDA candidates is considered virtually certain. However, securing a win for the fifth NDA nominee presents a more complex challenge, as it would require support from at least three MLAs from the opposition through cross-voting.
Speculation Intensifies Over Fifth NDA Candidate
Until Saturday, Upendra Kushwaha was widely perceived as the fifth NDA candidate who would need those additional votes. However, speculation on Sunday suggested a significant change, with Shivesh Ram potentially moving into that critical position. This shift has ignited intense debate and uncertainty over who exactly the fifth NDA candidate is and how the alliance plans to secure the necessary votes.
When questioned about the issue, Shivesh Ram firmly denied any discrimination, stating, "No, there is no discrimination against me. The NDA is united. The NDA has 202 MLAs, and all five candidates will win." He further addressed the possibility of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLAs voting for the RJD nominee, which could provide the opposition with the required 41 votes. Ram appealed, "I appeal to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and even RJD working president Tejashwi Prasad Yadav to ensure that I, from the Dalit Ravidas social group, enter Rajya Sabha. My victory is 'pakki (without any doubt)', and all the NDA candidates will win. Everything will be clear by Monday evening."
Meetings and Calculations Add to the Intrigue
The speculation gained substantial momentum when Shivesh Ram attended an in-camera meeting of the state BJP leadership alongside Vijay Sharma, the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and the party's central observer for the Rajya Sabha polls. Industries Minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal commented on the ongoing discussions, noting, "We are having our meeting, as other NDA partners are also doing it. You all have been saying that the fifth NDA candidate needs three extra votes from outside the NDA, or 205 votes in all, but the actual number is only 203."
This remark implied that, under the rules, the assembly Speaker and deputy Speaker do not exercise their franchise. However, state assembly sources countered this, clarifying that both officials do cast their votes in Rajya Sabha elections, adding another layer of complexity to the vote count calculations.
As the political maneuvering continues, all eyes are on Patna, with the outcome expected to become clear by Monday evening, shaping the future representation of Bihar in the Upper House of Parliament.
