Patna, March 16 (UNI) The polling for five seats in the biennial Rajya Sabha elections began at 9 am on Monday in Bihar, with all 243 members of the Bihar Assembly eligible to vote.
Six candidates are in the fray for the five seats. Among the prominent contestants are Chief Minister Nitish Kumar representing Janata Dal (United), Nitin Nabin, national president of the BJP, outgoing MP Ramnath Thakur, BJP leader Shivesh Ram, outgoing MP Upendra Kushwaha of Rashtriya Lok Morcha and outgoing MP Amarendra Dhari Singh of the Rashtriya Janata Dal.
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) enjoys a clear numerical advantage in the 243-member House with 202 MLAs, which is sufficient to ensure victory for four of its candidates comfortably. However, the contest for the fifth seat has turned into a keen political battle.
The opposition Grand Alliance has 35 MLAs, including 25 from the RJD, six from the Congress, three from Left parties and one from the Inclusive Political Party.
Should the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, with its five MLAs in the Assembly, votes in favour of Grand Alliance candidate as it announced Sunday night, the Oppodition tally would increase to 40 votes.
In that scenario, the lone MLA of the Bahujan Samaj Party is expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the fifth seat. If the BSP remains intact with the Grand Alliance, it will comfortably secure one seat.
For victory in the Rajya Sabha election from the Assembly, a candidate needs 41 votes.
Under the voting rules for Rajya Sabha elections, MLAs belonging to political parties are required to show their marked ballot paper to the authorised party observer. The rule is meant to ensure party discipline and minimise the possibility of cross-voting.
To balance the numbers for the fifth candidate, both the NDA and the Grand Alliance have prepared their strategies and are closely monitoring their legislators to ensure there is no cross-voting.
Speculation of cross-voting in the election is rife. The Polling will continue until 4 pm, after which the counting will take place and the results are expected thereafter.
