Rajya Sabha elections: NDA secures key victories in Bihar, Odisha; close contest in Haryana The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged as the dominant force in the March 16, 2026 Rajya Sabha elections, securing significant wins in Bihar, Odisha, and a closely contested race in Haryana. The results, announced on March 17, 2026, highlighted the NDA’s strong performance in key states, while the political landscape in Haryana remained tightly contested. The election outcomes underscored the NDA’s ability to consolidate support across diverse regions. In Bihar, the alliance’s candidates captured multiple seats, reinforcing their stronghold in the state. Similarly, Odisha saw a strong showing, with the NDA securing several crucial constituencies. These victories are seen as a testament to the alliance’s organizational strength and voter alignment with its policies. In contrast, Haryana’s results reflected a more competitive scenario. While the NDA managed to win some seats, the opposition parties, particularly the Indian National Congress, mounted a vigorous challenge. The tight race in Haryana indicates a shift in voter sentiment, with the state’s electorate showing a preference for diverse political options. Analysts suggest that the outcome in Haryana could influence the broader national political dynamics, especially as the state is a key battleground for future elections. The election results also highlight the evolving political strategies of the NDA and its allies. With the focus on regional representation, the alliance’s success in Bihar and Odisha may bolster its position in upcoming state assemblies. Meanwhile, the close contest in Haryana signals the need for the opposition to regroup and address voter concerns more effectively.#odisha #haryana #bihar #rajya_sabha_elections #national_democratic_alliance
RJD Legislators Stay at Exclusive Hotel with In-Room Swimming Pool Ahead of Rajya Sabha Elections In the lead-up to the Rajya Sabha elections, the RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) legislators in Bihar opted for a unique accommodation at the Panache Kautilya Luxury Hotel in Patna, a venue renowned for its blend of modernity and royal aesthetics. The hotel, located near key political and administrative centers, became a hub for high-profile guests, including politicians, business leaders, and diplomats. The hotel’s standout feature is its in-room swimming pool, a first in the region. The Aqua Royal Pool Suite offers a private 607-square-foot pool adjacent to the bed, alongside dining areas, workspaces, and luxury amenities like a mini-fridge, seating zones, and a center table. The suite’s cost, including taxes, is a hefty ₹40,000 per night, with breakfast included. This exclusive offering caters to VIP guests seeking both comfort and privacy. The hotel’s strategic location near the Bihar Legislative Assembly, government offices, and commercial hubs makes it a preferred choice for political events and business meetings. Its advanced security systems, including CCTV surveillance, ensure the safety of guests, while its modern interiors and amenities like high-speed internet, air conditioning, and multi-cuisine restaurants enhance the experience. The hotel’s room options range from budget-friendly ₹10,000 per night to the premium Aqua Royal Suite, with variations in pricing based on the suite’s features. Other available rooms include classic, neo, family, sky-view, and balcony suites, each tailored to different guest preferences. The Panache Kautilya Luxury Hotel has become a symbol of opulence and convenience in Patna, seamlessly merging luxury with practicality.#patna #rjd #rajya_sabha_elections #panache_kautilya_luxury_hotel #bihar_legislative_assembly
Rajya Sabha Elections: 3 INDIA Bloc MLAs 'Missing' in Bihar Assembly as Voting Continues in Haryana, Odisha The biennial Rajya Sabha elections to fill 37 seats across 10 states are underway, with voting and counting scheduled for March 16, 2026. The term of 37 members elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will expire in April, creating vacancies for new candidates. Out of the 37 seats, 26 candidates have already secured victory unopposed, with the remaining 11 seats still contested. These include five from Bihar, four from Odisha, and two from Haryana. Among the unopposed candidates, the BJP secured seven seats, Congress five, the Trinamool Congress four, the DMK three, and Shiv Sena, RPI(A), NCP, NCP(SP), AIADMK, PMK, and UPPL one each. Notable winners include Sharad Pawar, Abhishek Singhvi, Tiruchi Siva, and Vinod Tawade. The remaining 11 contested seats will see voting proceed as the election process unfolds. In Odisha, voting for four Rajya Sabha seats is taking place amid allegations of cross-voting and political maneuvering. The opposition BJD and Congress accused the ruling BJP of engaging in “horse trading” during the polls. Health and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling and Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari cast their ballots early in the day, while Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also voted at the Assembly premises. However, tensions arose when BJD MLA Souvic Biswal admitted to cross-voting, citing personal and familial reasons. He stated his vote was cast for an independent candidate, Dilip Ray, following his father’s expulsion from the BJD. Other incidents included claims by Odisha Congress chief Bhakta Charan Das that three MLAs defied the party whip, voting against the official stance.#odisha #bjp #bihar #rajya_sabha_elections #bipartite_congress
Summary of the Article: The article discusses the political dynamics in Maharashtra, particularly focusing on the Rajya Sabha elections and the strategic moves of key opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Congress. It highlights the following key points: Sharad Pawar's Role: Senior leader Sharad Pawar (NCP) is being considered as a candidate for the Rajya Sabha election. His health condition, which requires ongoing treatment, has limited his public appearances. However, his candidacy is seen as crucial due to his political influence and experience. The article notes that Pratibha Patil (former Chief Minister of Maharashtra) was initially considered for the Rajya Sabha seat but was not chosen due to her lack of political experience compared to Pawar. Political Alliances and Strategy: The opposition parties are consolidating their efforts to counter the ruling BJP. The article emphasizes the need for the opposition to focus on grassroots mobilization and address public grievances rather than chasing power. There is a call for unity among the opposition parties to present a united front against the BJP, which has faced criticism for governance failures. Internal Dynamics: The Shiv Sena and NCP are navigating internal tensions, with Pawar's candidacy seen as a way to strengthen their position. However, the article also mentions that the BJP's dominance in Maharashtra remains a challenge. The Congress is positioning itself as a key player in the opposition, leveraging its historical presence and appeal to urban voters. Significance of the Elections: The Rajya Sabha elections are viewed as a critical test for the opposition's ability to challenge the BJP's majority.#maharashtra #congress #rajya_sabha_elections #shiv_sena #nationalist_congress_party
The political landscape in Bihar is currently in flux, with significant speculation about potential leadership changes in both the ruling Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Here's a structured breakdown of the key developments and implications: --- Context: Rajya Sabha Elections and Leadership Dynamics Rajya Sabha Elections (May 2024): The state is holding Rajya Sabha elections for 5 seats. The BJP has already announced candidates for 3 seats: Nitin Navin (Lakhisarai), Shivesh Kumar Ram (Madhepura), and Upendra Kushwaha (Purnia). However, the JD(U) has not yet finalized its candidates, creating uncertainty. Nitish Kumar's Potential Move: Speculation suggests that Nitish Kumar, the current CM and JD(U) leader, might contest the Rajya Sabha election. If elected, he could step down as CM, potentially paving the way for a BJP-led government. This would mark a historic shift, as the BJP has never held power in Bihar since 1990. --- BJP's Ambitions and Leadership Speculation Replacing Nitish Kumar: The BJP is rumored to be preparing to replace Nitish Kumar as CM. If he steps down, the BJP could appoint a new leader, possibly from within its ranks. Possible Candidates: Nitin Navin (BJP's Rajya Sabha candidate) might be considered for a ministerial role. Nishant Kumar (Nitish's son) is speculated to be groomed for a leadership position if Nitish steps down. However, this remains unconfirmed. Surprise Move: The BJP might adopt a "surprise" strategy, similar to its approach in states like Rajasthan (Bhajan Lal), Madhya Pradesh (Mohan Yadav), and Delhi (Rekha Gupta), where unexpected leaders were appointed as CMs.#nitish_kumar #bharatiya_janata_party #janata_dal_united #rajya_sabha_elections #nishant_kumar
BJP Announces 9 Rajya Sabha Candidates, Bihar Becomes Key Battleground in NDA's 2026 Election Strategy The Bharatiya Janata Party has released its initial list of nine candidates for the 2026 Rajya Sabha elections, marking a significant step in the political landscape ahead of the biennial polls. The announcement underscores Bihar as a critical state where the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to face intense competition. The party’s central election committee has cleared the names, setting the stage for a strategic contest in several states. In Bihar, the BJP has nominated Nitin Nabin and Shivesh Kumar. Nabin, currently an MLA from the Bankipur Assembly constituency, will need to resign from his legislative seat upon joining the Rajya Sabha, triggering an inevitable by-election in Bankipur. A prominent figure within the state’s organizational structure, Nabin belongs to the Kayastha community. His candidacy highlights the party’s focus on maintaining its influence in the state. The second Bihar nominee, Shivesh Kumar, comes from a Scheduled Caste background. A former MLA, Kumar contested the Sasaram Lok Sabha seat in 2024 but lost the election. His background as a former IAS officer and son of former BJP MP Munilal Ram adds layers to his political profile. The announcement has also raised questions about Upendra Kushwaha, a key figure in Bihar politics. With the BJP fielding two candidates from the state, speculation persists about whether Kushwaha will emerge as a fifth NDA nominee. If so, securing the required number of MLAs could become challenging, potentially leading to a contest with an RJD candidate. Beyond Bihar, the BJP has selected candidates in Assam, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Odisha, and West Bengal. In Assam, Terash Gowalla and Jogen Mohan have been nominated.#bharatiya_janata_party #rajya_sabha_elections #nitin_nabin #shivesh_kumar #upendra_kushwaha
Nishant Kumar Set to Enter Active Politics Amid Bihar Rajya Sabha Seat Speculation Senior JD-U leader Shrawan Kumar announced on March 3 that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, will soon enter active politics, fulfilling demands from party members and youth. The statement came as the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) prepares for the Rajya Sabha elections, with five seats in Bihar becoming vacant on April 9. Nominations for these seats can be filed by March 5, with the election scheduled for March 16. The BJP, a key NDA ally, had already announced its candidates for two of the vacant seats: party president Nitin Nabin and Shivesh Kumar. The remaining three seats are contested by the NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance. The NDA, which holds 202 seats in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, is expected to secure four of the Rajya Sabha seats with its current majority. The fifth seat remains a point of contention, with both the NDA and the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) vying for it. Among the NDA’s candidates, JD-U’s Nishant Kumar and Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur are likely to be nominated. The RLM’s Upendra Kushwaha is also expected to be the fifth nominee. JD-U, which has 85 MLAs, may drop Harivansh Narayan Singh, a senior leader and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, from the list. Shrawan Kumar emphasized that Nishant Kumar’s entry into politics would honor the wishes of the public and youth who had long urged him to join active politics. Earlier, JD-U leaders Sanjay Jha, Ashok Choudhary, and others had publicly demanded Nishant Kumar’s involvement. Posters advocating his political participation were also displayed at the JD-U state headquarters in Patna.#nitish_kumar #rajya_sabha_elections #national_democratic_alliance #nishant_kumar #shrawan_kumar
