North India Statesman
News India Live, Digital Desk: The political temperature has risen in Bihar regarding the Rajya Sabha elections to be held on March 16. those in power NDA has launched an unprecedented ‘siege’ to ensure its victory on all five seats. All the members of the alliance in a high-profile meeting held at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary in Patna. 202 MLAs have been given strict instructions to stay in Patna for the next 4 days (till March 16).
NDA’s ‘Mission 5/5’: Mathematics of seats
The competition in this election for 5 Rajya Sabha seats of Bihar has become very interesting. Technically, NDA has enough numbers to win 4 seats, but the game of ‘check-mate’ is going on for the fifth seat.
Magic figure: to win a seat 41 first preference votes Needed
Strengths of NDA: BJP, JDU and allies have total 202 MLA Are. (4 seats = 164 votes, remaining = 38 votes).
challenge: NDA to secure fifth seat 3 extra votes is sought.
Why ‘fortification’ of MLAs?
The strategy was finalized during a dinner meeting held at the residence of Samrat Chaudhary. The main objectives behind this are as follows:
Preventing cross-voting: The MLAs are being kept united to foil any possible ‘intrusion’ by the opposition.
Voting training: Many MLAs in NDA will vote in the Rajya Sabha elections for the first time. They have been explained in detail about the nuances of voting and the order of preference.
Contact Campaign: NDA leaders claim that many opposition MLAs are in touch with them, due to which they are confident of winning the fifth seat also.
Who all in the field?
NDA has fielded its 5 stalwarts:
Nitish Kumar (JDU): Rajya Sabha candidate amid talks of leaving the post of Chief Minister.
Nitin Naveen (BJP): National Working President of BJP.
Ramnath Thakur (JDU): Son of Karpoori Thakur and experienced leader.
Upendra Kushwaha (RLM): Key ally of NDA.
Shivesh Ram (BJP): Dalit face of the party.
Whereas, from the opposition RJD by AD Singh (Amarendra Dhari Singh) The competition has been made triangular by fielding.
