NewKerala.com

AIMIM Eyes Rajya Sabha Seat in Bihar, Threatens NDA's Clean Sweep

The AIMIM has indicated it may field its own candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Bihar, challenging the existing political equations. With five seats vacant, the NDA has the numbers to comfortably win four, but the fifth seat hinges on the stance of smaller parties like AIMIM and BSP. AIMIM MLA Akhtarul Iman asserted his party is not merely there to support others and called for backing to fight communalism. The election process begins with notifications on February 26, with voting scheduled for March 16.

Key Points: AIMIM May Contest Rajya Sabha Polls in Bihar, Upsets Equations

  • AIMIM may field candidate
  • NDA short for 5th seat
  • 5 Rajya Sabha seats vacant
  • Opposition unity crucial
3 min read

AIMIM signals Rajya Sabha bid from Bihar as poll equations heat up

AIMIM signals Rajya Sabha bid from Bihar, with its 5 MLAs holding the key in a tight contest. NDA may fall short for a fifth seat.

"Am I born to support anyone? - Akhtarul Iman"

Patna, Feb 19

Following the announcement of Rajya Sabha elections for 37 seats across the country, political mobilisation has intensified in Bihar, with AIMIM indicating that it may field its own candidate.

AIMIM MLA Akhtarul Iman, who arrived at the Assembly to attend proceedings, said his party would contest the Rajya Sabha election from Bihar.

AIMIM currently has five MLAs in the 243-member Bihar Assembly.

When asked by mediapersons which alliance AIMIM would support in the Rajya Sabha polls, Iman retorted, "Am I born to support anyone?"

He added that parties that want to fight communal politics and protect the interests of Dalits and marginalised sections should support AIMIM's candidate.

Iman said AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has consistently raised his voice for the oppressed and stands firmly against communalism across the country, asserting that his leadership deserves wider political support.

Five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar are falling vacant, triggering intense political activity.

The NDA enjoys an absolute majority in the Bihar Assembly, with a combined strength of 202 MLAs, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.

Given the numbers, the NDA is expected to comfortably win four of the five seats. The fifth seat, however, could turn into a contest depending on Opposition unity and AIMIM's stance.

To win all five seats, the NDA would need the backing of 205 MLAs. While it easily crosses the threshold for four seats, it falls short by a small margin for the fifth seat.

On the other hand, if the Grand Alliance secures support from AIMIM's five MLAs and one MLA of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), it could win one seat.

If AIMIM and BSP abstain, the NDA is likely to sweep all five seats.

The notification for the Rajya Sabha elections will be issued on February 26. The last date for filing nominations is March 5, scrutiny will take place on March 6, and the deadline for withdrawal is March 9. Voting is scheduled for March 16 from 9 am to 4 pm, followed by counting at 5 pm the same day.

The entire election process will conclude by March 20.

Among the members retiring from Bihar are Amarendra Singh and Premchand Gupta of the RJD. From the JD(U), Union Minister of State Ram Nath Thakur and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh will complete their terms on April 9, 2026.

Upendra Kushwaha, elected in a bye-election from the BJP quota, will also retire on the same date.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
"Am I born to support anyone?" – What a powerful statement by Akhtarul Iman! It's about time smaller parties assert their own identity and agenda, rather than just being vote banks for larger alliances. Good for them. 👏
S
Suresh O
The numbers game is fascinating. NDA is just 3 MLAs short for a clean sweep. Those 5 AIMIM and 1 BSP MLA hold the key. In Indian politics, even a handful of seats can change the entire equation. Bihar never disappoints with its political drama!
A
Anjali F
While I appreciate the tactical play, I hope this isn't just political posturing. The article says AIMIM talks about fighting for Dalits and marginalised sections. I sincerely hope their Rajya Sabha bid translates into actual work and not just another seat in parliament.
M
Michael C
Watching from abroad, the complexity of Indian elections is astounding. The Rajya Sabha indirect election process, with MLAs as voters and these precise calculations, is a masterclass in political strategy. The next few weeks will be crucial.
K
Karthik V
Owaisi's party expanding its footprint. They are smart to leverage their position. But let's be real, the NDA has the numbers and the momentum in Bihar. It's their election to lose. The fifth seat will be a tight contest, for sure.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50