Bihar's Mahagathbandhan Faces Setback in Rajya Sabha Elections

In a surprising turn of events, the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar faced a significant setback during the Rajya Sabha elections as four of its legislators chose not to vote. This abstention has raised concerns about the unity and coordination within the alliance, particularly with key figures like Tejashwi Yadav struggling to maintain cohesion among party members. The NDA, on the other hand, celebrated a decisive victory, winning all five seats. The fallout from this election could have lasting implications for the opposition alliance as they navigate internal dissent and external pressures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 17, 2026, 12:55 IST

Major Setback for Mahagathbandhan in Bihar

On Monday, the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar experienced a significant setback when four of its legislators abstained from voting in the Rajya Sabha elections. The voting concluded at 4 PM, casting doubt on the opposition alliance's chances for the fifth seat. Among those who did not participate were Faisal Rahman from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and three Congress legislators: Manohar Prasad, Surendra Kushwaha, and Manoj Biswas.

NDA's Decisive Victory

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) achieved a decisive victory in the Bihar Rajya Sabha elections for 2026, winning all five seats thanks to a well-planned electoral strategy. Key figures among the winners included Nitish Kumar, leader of the Janata Dal (United), who announced his resignation as Chief Minister before entering the Rajya Sabha. Other successful candidates from the NDA included Nitin Nabin from the Bharatiya Janata Party, Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur, BJP leader Shivesh Kumar, and Upendra Kushwaha, head of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha.

Tejashwi Yadav's Challenge

Tejashwi Yadav faced a significant challenge as he was unable to keep the Mahagathbandhan legislators united. Meanwhile, Congress leader Manoj Biswas broke his silence regarding the abstention from voting, stating that the absence of their top leadership and state president during the election influenced their decision. He expressed dissatisfaction with the nominated candidate, emphasizing that they rely on votes from the minority community and thus chose not to cast their votes.

RJD's Frustration with Congress

The absence of the three Congress legislators has sparked frustration within the RJD. Party leaders are privately accusing Congress of failing to manage internal dissent. This incident has also highlighted previous coordination failures between the two allied parties. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the BJP of attempting to buy off legislators, claiming that those who voted against the alliance or abstained were offered incentives. He asserted that they are prepared to fight back and that their struggle will continue.