Is a ‘major political maneuver’ brewing in Jharkhand? A political deadlock has stalled the second seat, while the RJD’s lukewarm attitude has raised Congress’s anxiety levels. Will there be a ‘big game’ in Jharkhand? Political problem stuck on the second seat, RJD’s indifference increased the heartbeats of Congress.

The suspense regarding the Rajya Sabha elections is deepening in the politics of Jharkhand. As the time of voting is approaching, the political temperature of the state has reached sky high. Most of the discussion is taking place about the second seat, where the mathematics of victory and defeat seems to be complicated. Meanwhile, news coming from within the ruling coalition has further increased Congress’s concerns. The alleged displeasure and indifference of the alliance’s key ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has raised question marks on the election strategy of the Congress. Now the question is arising whether any ‘big game’ is going to happen in Jharkhand or will the alliance be successful in showing its unity?

Complicated issue and crisis of numerical strength on the second seat In the current situation of Jharkhand Assembly, victory on the first seat is considered certain, but the real fight is regarding the second seat. Both the ruling coalition and the opposition have put their full strength on this seat. To touch the magic figure, Congress needs the full support of all its MLAs as well as allies. However, looking at the current equations, the path to victory does not appear to be as easy as was thought earlier. The activism of the opposition camp and the silence of independent MLAs have made the contest triangular and exciting.

RJD’s displeasure and Congress’s increasing difficulties The recent activism and statements of RJD, the partner in the coalition government, have given sleepless nights to the Congress leadership. According to sources, RJD is unhappy with the high command over some local issues and old decisions on seat sharing. This anger of RJD at the last juncture of Rajya Sabha elections can become a big problem for the Congress candidate. If RJD MLAs stay away from voting or a situation like cross voting arises, then the dream of winning the second seat may be shattered. Congress strategists are now working day and night to convince RJD and address their grievances.

Opposition’s ‘wait and watch’ policy and murmurs of possible ‘Khela’ On the other hand, the main opposition party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is keeping a close eye on this entire situation. BJP’s ‘wait and watch’ policy has created an atmosphere of fear within the ruling party. There is strong discussion in the political circles that the opposition has laid the groundwork to bring some disgruntled MLAs to its side. If there is a breach within the alliance on the day of voting, it will be considered the biggest ‘game’ of Jharkhand politics. From the assembly premises to the offices of political parties, there is talk everywhere about who will win in the last moments.

Horse trading fears and the return of resort politics Amidst the political tussle, rumors of ‘horse trading’ (buying and selling of MLAs) have once again intensified. To keep the MLAs united and protect them from outside contact, calls for ‘resort politics’ are also being heard. Alliance leaders fear that their MLAs might change sides, so plans are being made to keep them together. The Congress high command has sent special envoys from Delhi to Ranchi, who are taking moment-to-moment reports. A round of meetings is going on at the Chief Minister’s residence so that any kind of resentment can be resolved in time.