Bihar Rajya Sabha Elections 2026: Manjhi and Kushwaha Jockey for Fifth NDA Seat

Patna, February 24, 2026: The upcoming Bihar Rajya Sabha elections for five seats have triggered intense maneuvering within the NDA. While Chirag Paswan has ruled out any family nominations, former Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has staked his claim, reminding the leadership of a past promise of one Rajya Sabha seat. Meanwhile, Upendra Kushwaha is also keeping a close watch on Delhi’s decision.

Battle for the Fifth Seat

The BJP and JDU have two seats each virtually secured. The contest revolves around the fifth seat, where the NDA requires support from three legislators, while the Mahagathbandhan would need six. Legislators from AIMIM (5) and BSP (1) hold the kingmaker position in this scenario. With Chirag ruling out a family nomination, both Manjhi and Kushwaha have actively put forward their claims, seeking the alliance’s nod.

Manjhi Asserts His Claim

Speaking to reporters in Patna, Manjhi said, “During the last Lok Sabha elections, we were promised two Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat. I am not demanding it; I am merely reminding the leadership of the assurance given. We trust the leadership will honor its commitment and wait until the final decision.” His statement comes after Chirag Paswan dismissed speculation about sending a family member to the Rajya Sabha.

Kushwaha Keeps Hopes Alive

Upendra Kushwaha, a senior leader and former Rajya Sabha member, continues to hope for a seat. Inside NDA circles, discussions are reportedly underway to allocate 2 seats to BJP, 2 to JDU, and 1 to an ally. For this fifth “alliance seat,” HAM, LJP (Ram Vilas faction), and RLM are in a tight contest.

Mahagathbandhan’s Strategy

On the opposition side, winning a Rajya Sabha seat requires 41 votes. The NDA currently holds 202 MLAs, enough for four seats, but the fifth seat needs 205 votes. The Mahagathbandhan, with 35 MLAs, could potentially secure a seat if supported by AIMIM (5) and BSP (1), giving Tejashwi Yadav a realistic chance.

Seats Coming Up for Election

The retiring members include JDU’s Ramnath Thakur and Harivansh Narayan Singh, RLSP’s Upendra Kushwaha, RJD’s Premchandra Gupta, and Amarendradhari Singh.

With NDA leadership yet to announce the final allocation, all eyes are on Delhi to decide who will clinch the crucial fifth seat.