Jharkhand RS Poll Battle Intensifies as Nathwani Gets Green Signal Despite Congress Protest

A high stakes political battle unfolded in Jharkhand ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections after the nomination of BJP backed Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani was cleared by election authorities despite strong objections from the Congress, triggering protests and fresh allegations of procedural irregularities .

The decision was announced on Wednesday by Returning Officer Ranjeet Kumar , bringing temporary closure to a day marked by heated exchanges, legal arguments and demonstrations within the Assembly premises.

Nathwani, an industrialist and sitting Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh, entered the contest as the third candidate for the June 18 Rajya Sabha elections , where voting will be held for two seats. His nomination had come under scrutiny after the Congress questioned details submitted in the affidavit attached to his nomination papers.

While nominations of JMM candidate Baidyanath Ram and Congress nominee Pranav Jha had already been accepted earlier, Nathwani’s papers were initially kept pending following objections raised by Congress leaders.

After examining the submissions, the returning officer ruled that Nathwani’s nomination met legal requirements under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 , and formally declared it valid.

According to the order, Nathwani had furnished the required no dues certificate linked to government accommodation. The officer further stated that issues related to disclosures in affidavits could not become grounds for rejecting a nomination during scrutiny.

Objections regarding the variation in the candidate’s name appearing as “Parimal Nathwani” and “Nathwani Parimal” were also dismissed as a technical issue and insufficient to create confusion over identity.

Congress leaders strongly criticised the decision. State Congress chief Keshav Mahto Kamlesh alleged discrepancies in the nomination process and demanded an impartial inquiry . Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid and party representatives argued that accepting a revised affidavit during scrutiny violated election norms and reflected inconsistency in the process.

Responding to the allegations, Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi defended the officials and maintained that deficiencies had been corrected within the permissible period.

With June 11 being the final date for withdrawal, political focus has shifted to the numbers game . A candidate requires 28 first preference votes to win. Though the ruling INDIA bloc has a numerical edge in the Assembly, Nathwani’s candidature has intensified speculation around possible cross voting in what is shaping up to be a closely watched contest.