Patna: Leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) met in Patna on Thursday evening to discuss strategy for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, with the meeting focusing on ensuring victory for all five candidates backed by the alliance.
The meeting was held at the residence of deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudhary and was attended by leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
During the meeting, alliance leaders reviewed the electoral arithmetic in the Bihar legislative assembly and discussed ways to secure the necessary votes to ensure that all NDA candidates win.
According to sources, the alliance is almost certain to win four seats comfortably. However, the fifth seat may require additional votes, and leaders discussed possible strategies to secure the support needed for that candidate.
Sources said the alliance could require around three additional votes to guarantee victory for the fifth candidate.
In a significant move, all 202 NDA MLAs were directed to remain in Patna or nearby areas until the Rajya Sabha elections conclude on March 16.
The instruction was issued during the meeting at Chaudhary’s residence, with alliance leaders emphasising the need to ensure the presence of all legislators during the voting process.
After the meeting, several NDA leaders expressed confidence that the alliance would secure victory in all five seats.
State minister Jama Khan said political negotiations were continuing across parties, referring to reports of discussions involving the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
“Only time will tell who ultimately votes for whom,” he said, adding that the NDA was confident of winning all five seats.
Rashtriya Lok Morcha MLA Snehlata also expressed confidence in the alliance’s prospects.
Meanwhile, minister Ashok Chaudhary claimed that some opposition legislators were in contact with the NDA. He said around 12 MLAs from opposition parties were reportedly in touch with alliance leaders, though he did not provide details.
Other NDA legislators, including Pankaj Mishra and Ranjan Kumar, also suggested that several opposition MLAs were communicating with leaders of the ruling alliance.
Senior NDA leaders and MLAs present at the meeting said the alliance remained united and was working collectively to ensure victory for all its candidates in the Rajya Sabha elections.
