Patna, March 16 (NationPress) As the election process for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across various states commenced on Monday, leaders from both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar expressed strong optimism regarding their chances, with each faction asserting their victory in the five available seats in the state.

Voting started at 9 a.m. and will conclude at 4 p.m., with the counting of votes set to begin at 5 p.m.

Nationwide, elections are occurring for seven Rajya Sabha seats in Maharashtra, six in Tamil Nadu, five each in Bihar and West Bengal, four in Odisha, three in Assam, two each in Chhattisgarh and Haryana, and one in Himachal Pradesh.

The Bihar elections have garnered significant attention due to six candidates vying for five positions.

For a candidate to win, they must secure 41 first-preference votes. Should a candidate not achieve this benchmark, second-preference votes will be counted to finalize the winner.

This scenario has amplified the significance of each vote and intensified speculations regarding political strategies.

The NDA has nominated five candidates - Nitish Kumar and Ram Nath Thakur (JD-U), Nitin Nabin and Shivesh Kumar (BJP), alongside Upendra Kushwaha (RLM).

On the other hand, the Mahagathbandhan has put forward Amarendra Dhari Singh as their candidate.

Leadership from both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan exhibited confidence about the election results.

Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi expressed certainty, stating, "There is no doubt that the NDA will secure all five seats."

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, claimed, "We are destined to win all five seats; just wait for the counting to conclude."

BJP MLA Maithili Thakur shared her enthusiasm, remarking, "It's incredibly exciting! Everyone from the assembly who voted today was punctual. We began with refreshments at the polling station, creating a positive atmosphere."

JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha conveyed his optimistic outlook, indicating that preliminary reports show the NDA leading in all five seats by a considerable margin. "The results will soon be evident to everyone," he mentioned.

Similarly, JD-U MLA Amrendra Kumar Pandey expressed assurance of victory, stating, "We are certain to win all five seats. This is absolutely definitive—110 percent. All five seats will belong to us."

JD-U Bihar President Umesh Singh Kushwaha also asserted that the NDA candidates' success was guaranteed. "The victory of our candidates is unequivocally assured. Only the formalities remain," he added.

In contrast, leaders from the opposition Mahagathbandhan also conveyed confidence.

Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, remarked that the statistics favored their alliance. "We are assured because the numbers are on our side. Our partners from AIMIM and BSP are backing us. We have achieved 41 votes, making victory inevitable," he stated.

Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha dismissed the opposition's assertions, indicating that the final outcome would reveal the truth.

"Just wait until 4 p.m., and everything will be clarified," he stated. He also criticized the opposition's previous claims that did not come to fruition.

Congress MLA Qamrul Hoda voiced that the opposition coalition was unified and confident in their success. "Stay tuned. By 6 p.m., AD Singh will be heading to the Rajya Sabha,” he said.

RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav accused the ruling coalition of attempting to sway the election through improper means. "This is a Rajya Sabha election. They fall short by three in terms of numbers, while we have 41. They aim to win by misusing financial resources and the system, yet all secular parties are united on a single platform," he stated.

Congress MLA Avidur Rahman also expressed belief that the Grand Alliance would secure at least one seat, alleging that NDA members were trying to exert pressure and offer incentives.

RJD MLA Anita Devi expressed confidence in the alliance's chances of celebrating victory later in the day. "We will celebrate tonight. We are winning," she concluded.