Jharkhand RS poll: Congress, BJP trade barbs after Nathwani’s surprise victory
Ranchi, June 20: The political fallout from the June 18 Rajya Sabha election in Jharkhand intensified on Saturday, with the Congress and…
Ranchi, June 20: The political fallout from the June 18 Rajya Sabha election in Jharkhand intensified on Saturday, with the Congress and BJP engaging in a war of words over the outcome, which saw NDA-backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani emerge victorious, while Congress nominee Pranav Jha suffered defeat.
JMM candidate Baijnath Ram also secured a Rajya Sabha berth, making him the second winner in the closely watched election that exposed apparent cracks within the ruling Mahagathbandhan alliance.
The Congress rejected allegations by the BJP and RJD that its legislators or state leadership were responsible for the setback suffered by the alliance-backed candidate. The party maintained that its MLAs voted in a united and disciplined manner for Pranav Jha and termed the accusations “baseless” and “against political decorum.”
However, the party acknowledged that the election result had raised serious questions and warranted introspection within the alliance.
Congress Seeks Answers Over Voting Pattern
At a press conference, Congress leaders questioned how Nathwani managed to secure votes beyond the NDA’s declared strength in the Assembly.
The party alleged that the result raised concerns about possible political manoeuvring and demanded an impartial review of the voting pattern.
Congress also criticised the BJP for backing an independent candidate instead of fielding a party leader from Jharkhand, while asserting that the Mahagathbandhan leadership, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren, had worked extensively to ensure the alliance’s success in the election.
The party said its central leadership was in touch with alliance partners and called for restraint, urging constituents of the ruling coalition to avoid public accusations as they examine the reasons for the defeat.
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BJP Hits Back, Calls for Congress Introspection
Responding to the Congress allegations, BJP state president Aditya Sahu said the opposition party was struggling to come to terms with its defeat and was attempting to divert attention from internal failures.
Sahu said the Congress should introspect over its inability to secure support for its candidate rather than questioning the BJP.
He dismissed allegations of horse-trading and money power, arguing that Nathwani’s victory reflected the support he received across party lines.
Defending the NDA-backed candidate against criticism that he was an “outsider,” Sahu pointed out that Nathwani had represented Jharkhand in the Rajya Sabha twice and had contributed significantly to the state’s development.
The BJP leader further claimed that all 81 MLAs were free to exercise their franchise and suggested that Congress should examine why some legislators did not support its nominee.
Election Result Triggers Political Debate
The June 18 Rajya Sabha election has sparked intense political debate in Jharkhand after Nathwani’s victory upset the ruling alliance’s calculations. While JMM’s Baijnath Ram won comfortably, the defeat of Congress candidate Pranav Jha has triggered speculation over cross-voting and exposed strains within the Mahagathbandhan.
With alliance partners seeking explanations and opposition parties claiming vindication, the Rajya Sabha poll outcome is expected to remain a major political issue in the coming days.
