The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a decisive victory in the Bihar Rajya Sabha Election 2026, winning all five seats through a calculated electoral strategy, while the Opposition camp suffered a setback due to the absence of key legislators during voting.
Among the prominent winners is Nitish Kumar, leader of the Janata Dal (United), who is set to enter the Rajya Sabha after announcing his decision to step down as Bihar Chief Minister. Other NDA candidates who secured victory include Nitin Nabin of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Union minister Ram Nath Thakur, BJP leader Shivesh Kumar, and Upendra Kushwaha, chief of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
Opposition Hit by Absenteeism
The Opposition alliance, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and supported by the Indian National Congress, failed to ensure full participation from its legislators. Four MLAs—three from Congress and one from RJD—did not turn up for voting, reducing the Opposition’s effective strength and impacting its chances.
The absence brought down the Opposition’s voting strength from 41 to 37, making it easier for the NDA to secure the crucial fifth seat.
Strategy Around Second Preference Votes
While the NDA already had enough numbers to win four seats comfortably, it adopted a strategic approach to secure the fifth seat by relying on second preference votes.
In the counting process, Shivesh Kumar crossed the required threshold in the third round with over 4,000 votes, surpassing the minimum requirement and sealing the victory for the NDA.
Leaders from JD(U) stated that the alliance anticipated a shortfall in first preference votes and planned accordingly to leverage second preference ballots effectively.
Political Reactions Intensify
Senior leaders from the NDA credited their victory to better coordination and understanding of the electoral process. Meanwhile, Opposition leaders raised concerns over alleged political pressure and internal challenges.
Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Opposition, indicated that despite having more first preference votes initially, the alliance could not cross the required mark.
On the other hand, Rajesh Ram, Bihar Congress president, alleged possible political interference and said action may be taken against the absent MLAs after consultations with senior leadership.
The absence of Congress legislators—Manohar Prasad Singh, Surendra Prasad, and Manoj Biswas—along with RJD MLA Faisal Rahman, has sparked discussions about internal cohesion within the Opposition bloc.
NDA Maintains Strong Majority
The NDA holds a commanding position in the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly, with 202 MLAs. This majority ensured a comfortable win for four seats, while strategic planning helped secure the fifth.
Despite efforts by the Opposition to consolidate support from smaller parties, including AIMIM and BSP legislators, the numbers fell short.
JD(U) Leadership Developments
Meanwhile, the Janata Dal (United) has announced its internal party election schedule. Nominations for the party president post are open until March 22, with elections set for March 27 if required.
Sources suggest that Nitish Kumar is likely to continue as party president, reflecting consensus within the party leadership as he transitions to a national role in the Rajya Sabha.
