Bihar’s corridors of power are alive with speculation over five Rajya Sabha seats up for grabs. NDA’s three-seat hold contrasts RJD’s duo, with projections favoring NDA for four. Yet, the fifth seat promises a thriller, influenced by smaller parties.
AIMIM’s five and BSP’s one MLA hold the key—supporting either bloc could seal fates. Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) defends two: Ram Nath Thakur, Central Minister and legacy figure as Karpoori Thakur’s heir, alongside Harivansh Narayan Singh.
Doubts cloud Harivansh’s ticket, though party leaders project total NDA victory. Confirmed: two for JD(U), two BJP. The fifth dangles as bait for partners, fueling rival claims.
BJP frontrunners Nitin Nabin and Pawan Singh dominate talks. Jitan Ram Manjhi demands fulfillment of BJP’s election pledge; Chirag Paswan’s 19 MLAs bolster his case; Upendra Kushwaha lurks hopefully.
Numbers game: 41 MLAs per seat. NDA’s 202 ensure four; three more clinch all. It’s a ‘one pomegranate, hundred sick’ scenario for the decider. Mahagathbandhan’s 35 MLAs, RJD-led at 25, need six outsiders to salvage a seat against departing incumbents.
Likely picks: JD(U) sticks with Thakur, eyes Verma; BJP pushes Nabin, Pawan; LJP(R) for swing seat. Election Commission schedules nominations starting February 26, voting March 16. Bihar watches as loyalties shift in this high-wire political circus.