Dispute Over Rajya Sabha Seats in Jharkhand and Bihar Ahead of Elections

In Jharkhand, two Rajya Sabha seats are set for elections following one vacancy after JMM leader Shibu Soren's death and another due to BJP MP Deepak Prakash's term ending. The ruling INDIA bloc, with 56 assembly members, can win both seats if united, but a dispute has emerged as JMM claims both seats while Congress demands one, citing past sacrifices. In Bihar, the RJD has fielded AD Singh for the fifth Rajya Sabha seat, leading to a contest with BJP's Shivesh Kumar. The NDA holds a strong majority but requires additional support to secure the fifth seat, with cross-voting and smaller parties' backing seen as decisive factors.