New Delhi: In a stunning display of dominance, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a clean sweep of all five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar, turning the tables on the Opposition Mahagathbandhan amid allegations of MLA absences and possible inducements.
The NDA, comprising JD(U), BJP, and allies, clinched victory with full participation from its 202 MLAs. In contrast, the Mahagathbandhan suffered a crippling blow as four of its legislators — one from RJD and three from Congress — failed to vote. This shortfall proved decisive, as the Opposition needed at least six additional votes to claim even one seat but fell short.
Key NDA winners included veteran leader Nitish Kumar (JD(U)), who garnered 44 first-preference votes, alongside Nitin Naveen (44 votes), Upendra Kushwaha (42), and Ramnath Thakur (42). The lone Mahagathbandhan candidate, A D Singh, managed only 37 votes.
JDU senior leader and minister Shravan Kumar attributed the triumph to unity and strategy, stating, “All 202 NDA MLAs voted. While 4 MLAs of the Opposition Mahagathbandhan did not vote. The alliance fought the electoral battle with full strength and all MLAs showed unity. Our alliance has demonstrated its unity and strategic strength.”
RJD leaders countered with sharp allegations, claiming their absent MLAs — Surendra Kushwaha (Congress), Manoj Vishwas (Congress), Manohar Singh (Congress), and Faizal Rahman (RJD)— were “bought” or “abducted.”
The Mahagathbandhan had lined up support from five AIMIM and one BSP MLA, but the absences tilted the scales irreversibly. Added intrigue, independent MLA Anant Singh, currently in jail but granted parole to vote, backed the NDA and declared his loyalty to Nitish Kumar.
The result underscores the NDA’s grip on Bihar’s political machinery and leaves the Opposition grappling with internal cracks ahead of future battles.