In a major political victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP National President Nitin Nabin have successfully won their debut seats in the Rajya Sabha.
The NDA registered a clean sweep in the Bihar Rajya Sabha biennial elections, securing all five seats up for grabs.
List of winners: NDA's big five
Returning Officer Khyati Singh officially confirmed the victory of the following candidates:
- Nitish Kumar (JD-U): The Bihar CM makes his debut in the Upper House.
- Nitin Nabin (BJP): The BJP National President secured a comfortable win.
- Ram Nath Thakur (JD-U): Union Minister and veteran leader retained his influence.
- Upendra Kushwaha (RLM): President of Rashtriya Lok Morcha emerged victorious.
- Shivesh Kumar (BJP): The BJP leader won the closely contested fifth seat.
The RJD had forced a contest by fielding prominent businessman Amarendra Dhari Singh, hoping to capitalise on a marginal numbers gap for the fifth seat. However, the strategy backfired as the Mahagathbandhan faced internal dissent.
Three Congress MLAs-Surendra Prasad Kushwaha, Manoj Biswas, and Manohar Prasad Singh-along with RJD's Faisal Rahman, skipped the polling entirely.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary thanked the NDA legislators, stating that the result is a testament to the unity of the NDA and a rejection of the Opposition's hollow politics.