The high-stakes battle for Bihar’s Rajya Sabha seats is heating up, with the fifth seat emerging as the ultimate prize in a fiercely contested electoral drama. As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) solidifies its grip on four seats, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is pulling out all stops to clinch the fifth by leveraging communal ties and strategic alliances.
At the center of RJD’s gambit is Hina Shahab, the widow of the late influential politician Shahabuddin. By fielding her as a candidate, RJD aims to sway the five Muslim MLAs from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), whose votes could prove decisive. Shahabuddin’s personal rapport with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi adds a layer of intrigue, potentially easing the path for cross-party support.
Bihar’s legislative assembly numbers paint a clear picture. NDA’s robust majority positions it to secure four seats comfortably, but the fifth demands three extra votes. With 41 MLAs needed per seat, the opposition’s tally of 41 includes AIMIM’s pivotal quintet. RJD spokespersons have begun openly championing Hina Shahab, signaling an imminent announcement despite official reticence so far.
AIMIM’s state president Akhtarul Imam remains tight-lipped, refusing to reveal his cards. Meanwhile, NDA is confident of netting support from a BSP legislator and the lone IIP MLA. Voting is slated for March 16, with results expected the same evening, keeping the political corridors buzzing with speculation.
The seats up for grabs belong to incumbents Ram Nath Thakur and Harivansh Narayan Singh (JD-U), Prem Chand Gupta and Amarnath Ram (RJD), and Upendra Kushwaha (RLM). While NDA allies like HAM, RLM, and LJP (Ram Vilas) jostle internally for nominations, RJD and Congress huddle to counter them. AIMIM’s role as the wildcard could redefine Bihar’s Upper House composition, underscoring the razor-thin margins in Indian parliamentary arithmetic.