Voting is being held on Thursday for three Rajya Sabha seats in the eastern and northeastern states of Jharkhand and Mizoram. The election for two seats in Jharkhand and one seat in Mizoram is being viewed as a test of local political equations as well as the strategies of ruling and opposition parties.
While the ruling alliance is expected to secure one seat in Jharkhand, the contest for the second seat is likely to be closely watched. In Mizoram, the ruling party appears to hold a clear numerical advantage.
Three candidates are in the fray for Jharkhand’s two Rajya Sabha seats. The ruling alliance’s Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has fielded Baidyanath Ram, while the Congress has nominated Pranav Jha. BJP-backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani is also contesting for the second seat.
According to the current composition of the state assembly, the INDIA alliance holds a clear majority. As a result, the victory of JMM candidate Baidyanath Ram is considered almost certain. However, the contest for the second seat between the Congress candidate and the BJP-backed independent candidate could be closely fought. Political analysts believe the outcome may depend on the unity of legislators and any possible cross-voting.
Although Rajya Sabha elections are not conducted through secret ballot, political parties are seeking to avoid any unexpected developments. Both the ruling and opposition camps are making efforts to keep their legislators united.
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has accommodated its legislators at a hotel in Ranchi, while the INDIA alliance is maintaining contact with its legislators through continuous meetings. Special security arrangements have been put in place at the assembly premises, and the administration has made extensive preparations to ensure peaceful voting.
Voting is also being held on Thursday for Mizoram’s lone Rajya Sabha seat. The contest is directly between the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and the principal opposition Mizo National Front (MNF).
The ZPM has nominated its spokesperson K. Lalawmpuia, while the MNF has fielded advocate and author Jothansangi Hmar. In the 40-member assembly, the ZPM has 27 legislators, while the MNF has 10 members. The BJP has two legislators and the Congress has one.
One of the most notable aspects of the Mizoram election is that both the BJP and the Congress have decided to stay away from voting. Congress legislator C. Ngunlianchunga has announced that he will not participate in the voting process in compliance with directions from the party leadership. The BJP has also decided to keep its two legislators away from voting.
The decision appears to further strengthen the position of the ZPM. According to officials of the Mizoram Assembly Secretariat, voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while counting of votes will begin at 5 p.m. In Jharkhand as well, all administrative and security arrangements for voting and counting have been completed. Special measures have been put in place under Election Commission guidelines to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process.
