Thu, 18 Jun 2026 · LIVE
Updated Jun 18, 2026 · 10:05
Jharkhand News Updated Jun 18, 2026

Jharkhand Rajya Sabha Polls: BJP Confident of Parimal Nathwani's Win

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo expressed confidence that NDA-backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani will win the Jharkhand Rajya Sabha election with a large majority. He criticized the Congress for using offensive language against Nathwani, calling it regrettable. JMM General Secretary Mithilesh Kumar Thakur countered that the INDIA bloc's numbers are secure and accused the BJP of using wealthy candidates to poach MLAs. Three candidates, including Nathwani, are contesting for two seats, with polling underway and results expected later Thursday.

"Parimal Nathwani will win": BJP's Pratul Shah Deo as Jharkhand RS polling begins

Ranchi, June 18

As the voting for Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand began on Thursday, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo expressed confidence that National Democratic Alliance-supported independent candidate Parimal Nathwani would win with a "large majority."

Speaking to ANI on the Rajya Sabha elections, the BJP spokesperson said, "We are confident that our NDA-supported independent candidate, Parimal Nathwani, will win with a large majority... People will vote for him based on his work and the Prime Minister's policies for public welfare."

Launching a sharp attack on Congress in the state, he added that the opposition party called Nathwani all sorts of things and used offensive language, and the act was "extremely regrettable".

"Secondly, the Congress is calling him all sorts of things and using offensive language. This is extremely regrettable. Those who are objecting to us today sent Vijay Mallya with the support of the JDS. All sections of society should be represented," he added.

The polling for 24 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 States began on June 18 for two seats in Jharkhand and four seats each in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, three seats each in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, and one seat each in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Meghalaya. The last date for filing nominations was June 8.

Polling in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly began at 9 am and will continue till 4 pm, while the counting of votes will commence at 5 pm. The results will be declared thereafter.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) General Secretary Mithilesh Kumar Thakur expressed confidence in the INDIA bloc's victory, asserting that their numbers are secure and their legislators are not "for sale."

Speaking to ANI, Thakur said, "The numbers are on our side. We are in a comfortable position. It is the BJP's character to make a 'dhan kuber' (wealthy person) their pawn so that they can poach MLAs. But there is no MLA up for sale in the INDIA bloc."

Taking a direct swipe at candidate Parimal Nathwani, Thakur alleged that wealth has historically been the primary factor in his election victories. "Everyone knows the background of Parimal Nathwani. On the basis of his wealth, he gets elected from Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh. But he will face defeat this time," Thakur added.

Voting for two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand started, with Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)'s Baidyanath Ram, Congress candidate Pranav Jha, and Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani in the fray.

The BJP is supporting Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani in the election.

BJP-supported independent candidate Parimal Nathwani filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha polls in Jharkhand and said he will seek votes on the basis of the work he has done.

Nathwani's candidature has made the Rajya Sabha contest in the state interesting as there are now three candidates for two seats in the state.

The ruling JMM and Congress, which is an ally in the ruling coalition in the state, have fielded a candidate each, reaching a seat-sharing pact.JMM candidate Baidyanath Ram and Congress candidate Pranav Jha have filed their nominations for the Rajya Sabha polls.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Priya S

I don't understand why BJP is backing an independent from Andhra/Gujarat for a Jharkhand seat? This is pure horse-trading culture, everyone knows it. The Congress calling him names is not right, but the real issue is that democracy is being sold to the highest bidder. INDIA bloc should focus on development instead of these games.

Vikram M

Parimal Nathwani is a successful businessman who has done work in Jharkhand's industrial sector. People are just jealous of his wealth. Look at what Congress did — they sent Vijay Mallya to RS, and now they're complaining? Hypocrisy at its peak. At least Modi's policies have brought real development. Let him win and serve the people! 💪

Ananya R

The real issue here is not Nathwani or JMM — it's that Rajya Sabha has become a retirement home for failed politicians and a playground for the wealthy. Why do we need 3 candidates for 2 seats? This creates instability. I wish our political parties would focus on education, healthcare, and employment rather than this drama. 🙏

Rohit P

People are missing the bigger picture. BJP's strategy is clear: Nathwani might not win this time, but they are sending a signal to other states. This is about testing waters for 2024 general elections. The JMM-Congress alliance is shaky. If Nathwani even gives a tough fight, it's a win for BJP. Politics, yaar — it's all a game of chess. 🤷‍♂️

Kavya N

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

Reader Voices

Leave a comment

Be kind. Add to the conversation. 0/50
Thank you — your comment has been submitted.
JS blocked