Key Facts
Jharkhand is set to hold elections for two Rajya Sabha seats on Thursday, June 18, amid heightened political activity and fears of cross-voting. The polling will take place from 9 am to 4 pm at a designated station within the Jharkhand Assembly premises. Three candidates are in the fray: JMM's Baidyanath Ram, Congress's Pranav Jha, and BJP-backed Independent nominee Parimal Nathwani.
Election Details and Candidates
Returning Officer Ranjit Kumar, who is also the secretary of the Jharkhand assembly, confirmed that all preparations are complete for a peaceful polling process. Once voting concludes, the report will be sent to the Election Commission of India, and counting is expected to begin around 5 pm, subject to the Commission's approval. Adequate security arrangements have been made in the Assembly premises.
The vacancies arose due to the death of JMM co-founder Shibu Soren and the completion of BJP member Deepak Prakash's tenure on June 21.
Political Dynamics and Cross-Voting Fears
A candidate requires a minimum of 28 first-preference votes to win. The BJP-led NDA has 24 MLAs in the 81-member assembly, while the INDIA bloc has 56 members. The JMM's Baidyanath Ram is expected to win easily given his party's strength. The real contest is for the second seat between Congress's Pranav Jha and NDA-backed Independent Parimal Nathwani.
Both camps are working hard to prevent cross-voting. NDA MLAs were moved to a hotel in Ranchi on Tuesday, while the INDIA bloc held meetings and mock polls at Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence and a hotel to educate new legislators about the voting process.
Party Positions and Statements
The INDIA bloc in Jharkhand comprises 34 JMM MLAs, 16 Congress, 4 RJD, and 2 CPI(ML) Liberation. The NDA has 21 BJP MLAs, and one each from LJP (Ram Vilas), AJSU Party, and JD(U). The Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha has one MLA.
Congress MLA Suresh Baitha asserted that all 56 INDIA bloc MLAs are united and will win both seats. BJP chief whip Naveen Jaiswal also claimed victory for their supported candidate.
What Readers Should Know
- Voting date: June 18, 2026, from 9 am to 4 pm.
- Counting starts around 5 pm after EC permission.
- Key candidates: Baidyanath Ram (JMM), Pranav Jha (Congress), Parimal Nathwani (Independent, backed by BJP).
- Minimum votes needed: 28 first-preference votes.
- INDIA bloc has 56 MLAs; NDA has 24.
FAQ
Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand kab hain?
Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand are scheduled for June 18, 2026.
Rajya Sabha elections mein kitne candidates hain?
Three candidates are contesting: JMM's Baidyanath Ram, Congress's Pranav Jha, and BJP-backed Independent Parimal Nathwani.
Rajya Sabha seat ke liye kitne votes chahiye?
A candidate needs a minimum of 28 first-preference votes to win.
Jharkhand assembly mein kitne MLAs hain?
The INDIA bloc has 56 MLAs, NDA has 24, and one MLA from Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha.