BJP-backed independent wins Rajya Sabha seat in Jharkhand after cross-voting

Parimal Nathwani, an Independent candidate supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), won one of the two Rajya Sabha seats from Jharkhand on Thursday, June 18, 2026. He defeated Congress candidate Pranav Jha, while Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate Baidyanath Ram secured the other seat.

According to sources, Nathwani's victory came after MLAs from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation) voted in his favour, deviating from their alliance's official candidate. In the election, Ram received 30 votes, Nathwani got 28, and Jha managed only 20. Three votes were declared invalid in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly.

The ruling INDIA bloc in Jharkhand comprises 56 MLAs: 34 from JMM, 16 from Congress, four from RJD, and two from CPI(ML) Liberation. The opposition alliance has 24 MLAs: 21 from BJP, and one each from AJSU, JD(U), and LJP (Ram Vilas). There is also one Independent MLA, Jairam Mahto of Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha.

The cross-voting by RJD and CPI(ML) Liberation was seen as a response to the Congress's actions during the Bihar Rajya Sabha elections on March 16, 2026. In that election, RJD candidate Amrendra Dhari Singh lost after three Congress MLAs did not vote, allowing the NDA's fifth candidate to win. The Congress has six MLAs in Bihar.

A senior RJD leader, speaking anonymously, said, "Tejashwi Yadav ji has taken revenge... Even the Left parties followed us because the RJD is the one that gives them proper respect, not the Congress party."

Reacting to his victory, Nathwani posted on X: "Deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the fourth term as a 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." He has also served in Rajya Sabha representing the YSR Congress Party from Andhra Pradesh.

He added, "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!"

Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, posted on X: "Heartfelt thanks to all the legislators committed to the NDA alliance and the development of the State, who have cast their votes in favour of Nathwani ji."