Two seats, many big contenders and complicated mathematics of MLAs; Why Jharkhand Rajya Sabha elections became interesting amidst the ruckus in ‘India’ block

These days, the excitement in the politics of Jharkhand regarding the elections for two Rajya Sabha seats has reached its peak. Even though the number of seats is only two, the long list of contenders and the magical mathematics of the MLAs within the Assembly have made this contest very complicated and exciting. The internal feud over ticket distribution within the ruling ‘India’ alliance has added fuel to this political game. Like every time, this time also the hidden loophole in the numbers has forced even the political pundits to wonder who will ultimately win.

Magic figure of number of MLAs and victory

If we look at the current situation of Jharkhand Assembly, to directly win a Rajya Sabha seat, any party or alliance needs the votes of a certain quota of MLAs. The ruling alliance led by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress has the majority in terms of numbers to easily win one seat, but the issue is stuck on the other seat. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies have also entered this election campaign with full strength. In such a situation, even the slightest cross-voting or displeasure of MLAs within any party can completely change the whole game.

Ruckus over seats within ‘India’ alliance

The most talked about issue in this election is the ongoing tussle between the ruling coalition. Congress believes that according to the previous equations and promises, this time the Rajya Sabha seat should come to its account, whereas Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), being the largest party in the state, is staking its natural claim on this seat. Due to this tussle, there is a lot of confusion in the announcement of the names of the candidates. This ongoing internal tussle between the alliance partners is being seen as a big golden opportunity for the opposition i.e. BJP, which is constantly keeping an eye on the disgruntled MLAs.

Increased importance of small parties and independent MLAs

Whenever the mathematics gets complicated in the Rajya Sabha elections, small political parties and independent MLAs win. In this political battle of Jharkhand also, the role of AJSU, leftist parties and independent MLAs has become very decisive. Both the camps are trying hard to bring these MLAs into their fold. Continuous meetings are going on in closed rooms and strategies are being changed. According to the inputs of the reporter, till the last day of voting it will be difficult to say clearly which MLA is standing on which side, which has made this election the most suspenseful Rajya Sabha election in the history of Jharkhand.