Rajya Sabha polls turn fierce as multiple heavyweights enter fray
Surendra Soren
Ranchi
Political activity intensified sharply in Jharkhand on Saturday as the contest for two Rajya Sabha seats took an increasingly interesting turn, with multiple high-profile candidates entering the fray.
Two-time former independent Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani has made a fresh entry into the race, purchasing his nomination papers and ending speculation about his possible withdrawal. With his move, the number of contenders has grown significantly, making the contest more competitive.
So far, six nomination forms have been purchased for the two seats. These include Congress candidate Pranav Jha, JMM nominee Baidyanath Ram, BJP leader Gaurav Vallabh, independent Parimal Nathwani, former YSRCP MP V. Vijayasai Reddy, and independent Ravi Kumar Yadav, also known as Ravi Peter.
While the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) have announced one candidate each, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is yet to officially declare its nominee. However, Gaurav Vallabh is widely seen as a potential candidate, having already purchased nomination papers.
V. Vijayasai Reddy, a chartered accountant and former Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh representing the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), has also entered the scene. He has previously served as leader of the YSRCP parliamentary party and chaired key parliamentary committees, including those on commerce and transport, tourism, and culture. Despite reportedly stepping back from active politics after his party’s electoral defeat, his entry into the Jharkhand race has raised eyebrows.
Questions remain over the source of his support, as a candidate requires the backing of at least nine MLAs to file a valid nomination.
Parimal Nathwani, a prominent corporate figure, is once again attempting to secure a Rajya Sabha berth from Jharkhand. Initially, he had reportedly sought support from Chief Minister Hemant Soren and JMM. Although there were indications he might step back due to lack of clarity, his decision to purchase nomination papers suggests renewed confidence.
Political circles speculate that Nathwani may have secured second-preference support from sections within JMM, or could even emerge as a consensus candidate in certain scenarios.
There is also speculation that the BJP may extend support to Nathwani, similar to the 2014 Rajya Sabha elections, if it opts not to field a strong candidate of its own.
The contest is shaping up to be one of the most interesting Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand’s history. With 81 MLAs in the Assembly, a candidate needs 28 first-preference votes to secure victory.
The ruling INDIA bloc has a comfortable strength of 56 MLAs, while the opposition has 25, including 21 from the BJP and one each from LJP, JD(U), AJSU, and JLK(M). JLK(M) MLA Jairam Mahato has not yet disclosed his stand.
While the ruling alliance has the numerical advantage to win both seats, internal tensions—particularly between JMM and Congress over seat-sharing—have complicated the equation.
With multiple candidates in the fray and political maneuvering intensifying, the upcoming days are expected to be crucial in determining the final outcome of this high-stakes electoral battle.
