Unexpected cross-voting in the Jharkhand Assembly helped BJP-supported candidate Parimal Nathwani defeat the Congress nominee in a closely watched Rajya Sabha election.
BY PC Burfeau
June 18, 2026: A dramatic episode of cross-voting in Jharkhand’s Rajya Sabha election delivered an unexpected victory to BJP-backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani on Thursday, exposing cracks within the Opposition alliance and altering the political arithmetic in the state. Sources said MLAs from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and CPI(ML), both allies of the ruling bloc, voted in Nathwani’s favour, helping him secure a seat in the Upper House.
While Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate Baijnath Ram won comfortably with 30 votes, Nathwani secured 28 votes, enough to defeat Congress nominee Pranav Jha, who managed 19 votes. Three votes were declared invalid.
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According to sources, the BJP-backed candidate benefited from cross-voting by legislators from RJD and CPI(ML). The RJD has four MLAs in the Jharkhand Assembly, while CPI(ML) has two.
READ:
Cross Voting? INDIA Alliance में बड़ी सेंध!
बीजेपी समर्थित निर्दलीय उम्मीदवार Parimal Nathwani ने राज्यसभा चुनाव में जीत दर्ज की।
सवाल अब सिर्फ जीत का नहीं, बल्कि INDIA Alliance के भीतर Cross Voting किसने की?
क्या विपक्ष अपनी ही वोटिंग नहीं बचा पाया?#RajyaSabhaElection…
— Awanish M Vidyarthi (@awanishvidyarth) June 18, 2026
The Congress received support from its 16 MLAs and four votes from ally JMM. The JMM, which holds 34 seats in the Assembly, strategically allocated additional votes to ensure Baijnath Ram’s victory while transferring the remaining votes to support the Congress candidate.
The result has sparked political debate, with observers viewing the cross-voting as a setback for Opposition unity and a boost for the BJP-led NDA’s efforts to strengthen its position in Parliament ahead of key legislative battles.
The outcome assumes added significance as the BJP-led NDA looks to improve its numbers in both Houses of Parliament ahead of the upcoming monsoon session. With several crucial bills expected to be tabled, including measures that may require broad political support, Nathwani’s victory is being seen as a morale boost for the ruling alliance and a sign of shifting equations within Opposition ranks.
