Bihar Politics in Focus: Rajya Sabha Elections Announced
Patna, August 9, 2024 – The Election Commission has announced elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats across 9 states, sparking speculation and political maneuvering in Bihar. With only two seats up for grabs in the state, the contest has become a closely watched battleground.
Bihar’s Math: Two Rajya Sabha Seats
Two vacant Rajya Sabha seats fell vacant in Bihar after RJD‘s Misa Bharti and BJP’s Vivek Thakur were elected to the Lok Sabha. The state assembly has 243 MLAs, with the BJP holding 78 and the RJD 79. However, after the resignation of two MLAs, the RJD’s strength has dwindled to 77. Questions regarding the eligibility of three MLAs remain unanswered, leaving their status in limbo.
Upendra Kushwaha to Rajya Sabha from Misa Bharti’s Seat
The BJP has officially named Rashtriya Lok Morcha president Upendra Kushwaha as their candidate for Misa Bharti’s Rajya Sabha seat. Kushwaha expressed gratitude to the people of Bihar, political leaders, and the Prime Minister.
The Mystery of the Second Seat
The fate of the second Rajya Sabha seat remains shrouded in speculation. Potential scenarios are being discussed:
Nitish Kumar’s strategy: The Chief Minister may send his trusted IAS, Manish Verma, to the Rajya Sabha to strengthen his control over the government and organization.
Focus on secularism: If Nitish Kumar prioritizes secularism, he might choose Shahnawaz Hussain for the seat, while appointing Manish Verma as an MLC and minister.
King Mahendra’s influence: If the Chief Minister’s friendship with King Mahendra remains strong, his brother Umesh Sharma alias Bhola Sharma, a previous Rajya Sabha candidate, is likely to be nominated.
Rajya Sabha Election Schedule
Elections for the Rajya Sabha seats will be held in:
Rajasthan
Bihar
Haryana
Madhya Pradesh
Assam
Tripura
Telangana
Maharashtra
Odisha
Nominations will open on August 14, with the deadline on August 21. Scrutiny will take place on August 22. The election, if needed, will be held on September 3, with results to be declared by 5 pm.