Ranchi, 28 January 2014

Sitting Member of Parliament Parimal Nathwani is virtually set to win uncontested for Rajya Sabha seat from Jharkhand. This will be the second term for him in Rajya Sabha.

There are only two candidates – Nathwani and RJD candidate Prem Chand Gupta for the two vacant Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand, leaving the polls uncontested for the first time since the state’s formation.

Today was the last day to file nominations for the February 7 biennial polls. Tomorrow is the scrutiny while the last date for withdrawal is January 30.

Parimal Nathwani – also Group President of Corporate Affairs at Reliance Industries Limited – is an Independent candidate supported by the BJP and All Jharkhand Students Union(AJSU).

The BJP, whose MP J.P.N. Singh is the outgoing RS member along with independent Nathwani did not have sufficient legislators to ensure victory of its candidate. It is therefore supporting Mr. Nathwani who is also supported by AJSU.

In the 82-member assembly, a candidate needs the support of at least 24 legislators. The BJP and the AJSU have 18 and six legislators, receptively.

The second main opposition party, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik (JVM-P) with 11 legislators, has already announced it would not either field a candidate or support any party in the elections.