Tejashwi Yadav Confident of Securing Rajya Sabha Seat Amidst Political Maneuvering
Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD's national executive president, has expressed strong confidence in securing a Rajya Sabha seat, claiming sufficient support from allies AIMIM and BSP. With the RJD and its coalition holding 35 seats, they need 41 for victory. Yadav emphasized their determination to confront the NDA rather than yield. Meanwhile, NDA candidates, including Nitish Kumar, are also vying for success. Yadav's comments reflect the ongoing political rivalry in Bihar, as he predicts challenges for Kumar's future in the state. This article delves into the intricate political landscape and the strategies at play.
| Mar 16, 2026, 15:59 IST
Tejashwi Yadav's Assurance on Rajya Sabha Support
Tejashwi Yadav, the national executive president of the RJD, expressed confidence that his party possesses sufficient backing to wrest a Rajya Sabha seat from the NDA. Although the RJD and its allies hold 35 seats in the assembly, they require support from 41 legislators to successfully send their candidate, A.D. Singh, to the Rajya Sabha. Yadav noted that the AIMIM and BSP, holding six and one seats respectively, have pledged their support for the RJD candidate.
Yadav stated, "We are fully confident. Initially, the Mahagathbandhan had 35 members. To win, we need 41. The BJP-NDA required three more votes. However, we accepted this challenge and chose to confront the BJP rather than yield to them. With the backing of AIMIM and BSP, our numbers have now reached 41. The BJP needs three additional legislators to secure their fifth candidate's victory."
The NDA candidates include Bihar's longest-serving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, RLJP leader Upendra Kushwaha, BJP president Nitin Nabin, Shivesh Ram, and Ram Nath Thakur. Shivesh Ram previously expressed confidence that all five NDA candidates would win easily, citing the unity among coalition legislators. Speaking to reporters, he remarked, "Prime Minister Modi is working for the country's development. All leaders in Bihar are united, and we expect very positive results this evening. All five NDA candidates are set to win. Victory is assured because we are united, while the opposition is not, and I am aware of this."
Additionally, in response to the possibility of Bihar's Chief Minister moving to the Rajya Sabha, Tejashwi Yadav expressed sympathy for Nitish Kumar. He stated, "I have expressed my sympathy for Nitish Kumar. The day he returned to the BJP from the Mahagathbandhan in 2024, I mentioned that the JDU has no future left. I predicted that after the elections, Nitish Kumar would not remain Chief Minister. He repeated what he did in Maharashtra, albeit in a slightly different manner. The BJP ruins whoever it supports."