BJP-backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani secured a Rajya Sabha seat from Jharkhand on Thursday, with reports indicating that cross-voting played a key role in the closely watched election. The second seat was won by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate Baidyanath Ram.

The election witnessed a three-cornered contest for two Rajya Sabha seats. Alongside Nathwani and Baidyanath Ram, Congress candidate Pranav Jha was also in the fray. Political observers had been closely tracking the possibility of cross-voting in the state, given the numerical strength of various parties in the Jharkhand Assembly.

Cross-voting speculation dominated the contest

Ahead of voting, both the ruling INDIA bloc and the NDA had taken measures to keep their legislators together amid concerns over possible defections and cross-voting. Political discussions in the state largely revolved around whether legislators would vote along party lines or support candidates outside their alliances.

Nathwani’s victory is being linked to support from legislators beyond the NDA’s expected vote base. Reports after the counting suggested that cross-voting may have influenced the final outcome, helping the BJP-backed candidate secure the required support.

The result comes as another example of cross-voting influencing Rajya Sabha elections, a trend that has been discussed in several states during recent Upper House contests.

Congress candidate misses out

While JMM’s Baidyanath Ram and BJP-backed Parimal Nathwani emerged victorious, Congress nominee Pranav Jha failed to secure one of the two available seats. The outcome is likely to trigger political debate over voting patterns within the state assembly and the extent of cross-voting during the election.

Fresh political uncertainty has gripped the Shiv Sena (UBT) after several of its Lok Sabha MPs reportedly became unreachable, prompting senior leaders to make personal efforts to contact them amid growing speculation of a possible rebellion within the party.

Party chief Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders are understood to be reaching out to MPs as concerns grow over potential defections. The developments come ahead of a parliamentary committee meeting in Delhi, where several MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray camp are expected to gather.

Reports suggest that some MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction could hold discussions in the national capital alongside leaders from the rival Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. Sources have indicated that a group of MPs may explore forming a separate faction in Parliament before potentially aligning with the Shinde-led camp, although no official announcement has been made.

Names being discussed in political circles include MPs such as Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure and Sanjay Jadhav. However, at least one MP, Sanjay Dina Patil, has publicly rejected reports linking him to any rebel group.

Meanwhile, senior Uddhav camp leaders including Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai are expected to remain actively engaged in efforts to maintain party unity. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has also been in Delhi amid the unfolding developments.

The latest episode has revived memories of previous political upheavals in Maharashtra and intensified speculation over whether the Shiv Sena (UBT) could face another significant organisational challenge in the coming days. As meetings continue in Delhi, political observers will be closely watching for any formal announcements from either camp.

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.