As Bihar gears up for Rajya Sabha polls on five seats, political maneuvering reaches fever pitch. NDA controls three presently, RJD two. Secure in four, NDA eyes the fifth amid cross-voting intrigue.
Deciders: AIMIM’s five MLAs and BSP’s single vote. Alliance with them decides the winner. JD(U)’s pair includes Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur—’Bharat Ratna’ Karpoori Thakur’s son—and Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, facing re-nomination whispers.
JD(U) dreams of all five, with two each for JD(U), BJP set. Fifth tempts allies, igniting competition. BJP candidates in spotlight: Nitin Nabin, Pawan Singh.
Manjhi invokes BJP’s Lok Sabha promise; Paswan’s 19 MLAs give leverage; Kushwaha anticipates. Per formula, 41 MLAs/seat. NDA’s 202 lock four; three suffice for sweep.
Mahagathbandhan falters: RJD’s 25 MLAs can’t hold two vacating seats alone; coalition’s 35 needs six more. Prospects: Thakur, Verma (JD(U)); Nabin, Singh (BJP); LJP(R) fifth.
Nominations February 26 onward, polling March 16. This election underscores Bihar’s fragmented politics, where small blocs wield big power and alliances face ultimate tests.