BJP-Backed Independent Parimal Nathwani Wins Jharkhand Rajya Sabha Seat

Ranchi: In a closely watched contest, BJP-backed Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani emerged victorious in one of the two Rajya Sabha elections held in Jharkhand on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Nathwani defeated Congress candidate Pranav Jha, while Baidyanath Ram of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) secured the other seat.

Nathwani, a Gujarat-based businessman, won with 28 votes, edging out Jha, who managed only 20 votes. Baidyanath Ram received 30 votes. Three votes were declared invalid in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly.

The ruling INDIA bloc, which includes the JMM, Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (CPI-ML), commands a majority with 56 MLAs. The Opposition alliance, led by the BJP, has 24 legislators, while the House also includes one Independent MLA, Jairam Mahto of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha.

Nathwani’s victory was reportedly aided by cross voting from RJD and CPI-ML legislators. Sources indicated that the RJD's decision to cross vote was influenced by tensions with the Congress stemming from the Bihar Rajya Sabha elections held earlier this year. During those elections, three Congress MLAs failed to vote, leading to the defeat of the RJD's candidate. A senior RJD leader, speaking anonymously, stated, “Tejashwi Yadav ji has taken revenge... Even the Left parties followed us because the RJD is the one that gives them proper respect, not the Congress party.”

Reacting to his win, Nathwani expressed gratitude on social media platform X, highlighting his longstanding connection with Jharkhand. “Deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the fourth term as a Member of Rajya Sabha. This moment is filled with profound emotion as this will be my third term from Jharkhand, the very soil from where my Parliamentary journey began in 2008. It is a matter of immense pride and humility to return once again to my karmabhoomi,” he wrote. Nathwani, who has also represented Andhra Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha as a member of the YSR Congress Party, pledged to continue working for the development of Jharkhand. “With renewed commitment and sincerity, every effort will continue to advance the interests and aspirations of Jharkhand and its people. Johar Jharkhand!” he added.

Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, also thanked the legislators who supported Nathwani, stating on X, “Heartfelt thanks to all the legislators committed to the NDA alliance and the development of the State, who have cast their votes in favour of Nathwani ji.”

The results underscore the complex political dynamics in Jharkhand, where alliances and cross voting played a decisive role in shaping the outcome.