Patna, March 16 (NationPress) The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) achieved a remarkable victory in the recent elections for five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, with each of its candidates emerging triumphant.

This outcome represents a significant blow to the Opposition Mahagathbandhan.

The NDA's candidates included Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister and national president of the Janata Dal (United), Nitin Nabin, the chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister, Upendra Kushwaha, head of Rashtriya Lok Morcha, and Shivesh Ram, a BJP candidate.

All five individuals successfully secured their respective seats.

In the Bihar Legislative Assembly voting, 202 MLAs from the NDA participated, while 37 MLAs from the Mahagathbandhan cast their votes.

Notably, several MLAs from the Opposition, including Manoj Biswas, Surendra Kushwaha, and Manohar Prasad Singh from the Indian National Congress, along with Faisal Rahman from the Rashtriya Janata Dal, were absent during the voting session.

Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram issued a statement concerning the absence of three Congress MLAs, alleging that the BJP had abducted them. He pointed out that these legislators had maintained communication since March 13, despite the BJP's dominance in the state.

Rajesh Ram further accused the BJP of holding their MLAs under house arrest.

The vote counting commenced at 5:00 PM.

Based on first preference votes, Nitish Kumar, Nitin Nabin, Ram Nath Thakur, and Upendra Kushwaha were declared victorious, while Shivesh Ram confirmed his win with second-preference votes.

Conversely, the Mahagathbandhan’s candidate A. D. Singh garnered 38 votes.

In the second preference round, Shivesh Ram received additional votes, solidifying the success of all NDA candidates.

With a total of 243 seats in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, this election aimed to fill five Rajya Sabha positions.

Despite six candidates contesting, the NDA's substantial strength in the Assembly influenced the decisive results.

The ruling coalition currently commands support from approximately 202 MLAs, whereas the Mahagathbandhan comprises 35 MLAs, granting the NDA a clear edge.

In response to the victory, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary congratulated Nitin Nabin, expressing that his leadership and commitment to public service have continually invigorated the party and the community.

Choudhary expressed optimism that Nabin’s presence in the Rajya Sabha would infuse new energy and direction into Bihar’s developmental issues.

On the Rajya Sabha elections, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha remarked, "Today, the true nature of the RJD and Congress has been laid bare. Their own MLAs chose not to participate in the voting. Initially, the public also declined to support them."