Rajya Sabha contest takes shape in Jharkhand as three candidates file nominations

Ranchi: The contest for two Rajya Sabha seats from Jharkhand took a decisive shape on Monday with ruling Mahagathbandhan nominees Baidyanath Ram and Pranav Jha filing their nomination papers alongside NDA-backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani.

The nomination process also served as a political show of strength, with the ruling alliance seeking to project unity after recent differences over candidate selection, while the NDA rallied behind Nathwani after deciding not to field an official BJP candidate.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and former minister Baidyanath Ram was the first to file his nomination in the presence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and leaders of the Congress, RJD and CPI(ML). Speaking to reporters, Ram expressed confidence that both Mahagathbandhan candidates would emerge victorious.

Congress nominee Pranav Jha later submitted his papers in the presence of Soren, former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and senior alliance leaders. Jha said all 56 legislators of the ruling alliance were united behind the official candidates and voiced confidence about the outcome.

The joint appearance of the two candidates came days after sections of the JMM publicly asserted a claim over both Rajya Sabha seats following the Congress announcement of Jha’s candidature. Subsequent discussions between the allies appeared to have eased tensions, with senior leaders presenting a united front on nomination day.

The contest gained an additional dimension with industrialist and former Rajya Sabha member Parimal Nathwani filing his nomination as an independent candidate. Nathwani, who represented Jharkhand in the Upper House for two consecutive terms between 2008 and 2020 and is currently a Rajya Sabha member from Andhra Pradesh, received open support from the NDA.

Several NDA legislators accompanied Nathwani during the nomination process. BJP leaders later reiterated that the alliance had decided to support the independent candidate against the ruling coalition nominees.

Addressing reporters, Nathwani said he enjoyed support across party lines and expressed confidence of victory. He highlighted his previous tenure as a Rajya Sabha member from Jharkhand and said he remained committed to the state’s development.

With three candidates in the fray for two vacancies, political attention is now focused on whether the Mahagathbandhan can convert its numerical advantage into victories for both its nominees.

The ruling alliance currently commands 56 MLAs in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly, while the NDA has 24 legislators. The Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) has one MLA.

Scrutiny of nomination papers and the withdrawal process will determine the final field of candidates. If all three remain in the race, polling will be held on June 18.