The nomination of BJP-backed Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani for the Jharkhand Rajya Sabha election was declared valid on 10 June, with Returning Officer Ranjit Kumar rejecting all objections filed by the Indian National Congress. The ruling clears Nathwani's path ahead of polling scheduled for 18 June for two upper-house seats from the state.

What the Returning Officer Ruled

In his order, Returning Officer Ranjit Kumar stated that Nathwani's nomination was found valid during scrutiny and accepted under Section 36 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The decision came after a roughly two-hour hearing at the Jharkhand Assembly complex in Ranchi, beginning at 10.30 am, during which lawyers representing both sides presented arguments. The order was reserved after the hearing and announced in the evening.

Congress Objections and Allegations

The objections to Nathwani's nomination were filed by Naman Bixal Kongadi, the Kolebira MLA and proposer for Congress candidate Pranav Jha. Kongadi argued that the candidate's name appeared inconsistently across documents — listed as 'Parimal Nathwani' in some and 'Nathwani Parimal' in others — and that certain columns in the nomination form had been left blank with required information missing.

Congress leaders went further, accusing the Returning Officer of acting under pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party. They also alleged that senior advocate and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid, who had arrived to represent the Congress side, was prevented from entering the hearing room — a charge that added to the charged atmosphere inside and outside the Assembly premises.

Political Protests on Both Sides

The proceedings were accompanied by protests from workers of both parties. Congress leaders including Ministers Radha Krishna Kishore, Irfan Ansari, and Deepika Pandey Singh participated in demonstrations against the process. Meanwhile, BJP leaders and supporters gathered at the Assembly in support of Nathwani, raising slogans demanding that his nomination be accepted.

Notably, the Returning Officer had placed Nathwani's nomination on hold on 9 June after the objections were first raised, scheduling the full hearing for the following day. The final rejection of all objections on 10 June ends that uncertainty.

What Happens Next

Polling for the two Jharkhand Rajya Sabha seats is set for 18 June. The contest now features three candidates: India bloc nominees — JMM's Bajnath Ram and Congress' Pranav Jha — alongside BJP-backed Independent Parimal Nathwani. With two seats and three candidates, the outcome will hinge on the arithmetic of the state legislature, where the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance holds a majority. The Congress is widely expected to challenge the Returning Officer's decision through legal or electoral channels before polling day.