Tensions simmer in Bihar’s political circles as AIMIM throws its hat into the Rajya Sabha ring, announcing a candidate for the March 16 polls. This surprise entry by Asaduddin Owaisi’s outfit complicates life for RJD, straining their bid amid five retiring senators from the state.
Nationwide, 37 seats across 10 states are contested, but Bihar’s five vacancies—part of its 16-seat quota—draw sharp focus. Retiring members include JD(U)’s stalwarts Harivansh Narayan Singh and Ram Nath Thakur, RJD duo Prem Chand Gupta and Amarendra Dhari Singh, and Upendra Kushwaha.
NDA’s assembly strength guarantees four wins. The Grand Alliance’s 35 MLAs (RJD 25, Congress 6, CPI(ML) 2, CPI 1, Indian Inclusive Party 1) need 41 votes for the last seat. AIMIM’s five plus BSP’s one could seal it—until now.
Akhtarul Iman, AIMIM’s Bihar chief, confirmed their contest, appealing to opposition for support. Roots trace to 2020 assembly polls: AIMIM’s alliance plea to Lalu Yadav was dismissed, sparking verbal fireworks. AIMIM emerged with five seats; RJD with 25.
Party insiders hint RJD favored re-fielding Amarendra Dhari Singh. Owaisi’s countermove threatens vote fragmentation, echoing strategic vendettas. As MLAs’ preferences loom large in these indirect polls, AIMIM’s six votes become kingmakers—or spoilers.
This clash highlights opposition’s vulnerability in Bihar. Beyond numbers, it tests ideological alignments and old grudges. With Rajya Sabha’s influence on national debates, the fallout could ripple far, challenging RJD’s revival narrative under Tejashwi Yadav.