Rajya Sabha Election 2022 Results: Fadnavis leads celebrations at BJP office in Mumbai

Leader of Opposition Devendra Fanvais, who has been credited with the BJP's victory in the Rajya Sabha polls, dedicated the party's performance to MLAs who arrived in an ambulance to cast their vote. "It is remarkable to see that many leaders made sure to reach Vidhan Sabha despite their health conditions and other restraints," he told party workers during celebrations in Mumbai.

Taking a dig at the MVA, he said, "Some people were agitated by BJP's victory. Many Opposition leaders came down to Mumbai and raised questions. They are well aware of how we won the elections. I am thankful to independent MLAs who supported us rather than being pressured by the govt. The independent MLAs are looking for trust and support from the BJP."

"I would like to congratulate BJP on their performance in Rajya Sabha polls. We can't win every election. We accept our defeat with full humility. We clearly need to see what went right and wrong. We did not have right the numbers till the end, but we still took the chance because we have done good work. ," said NCP MP and daughter of Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule

Thanking MLAs of the Maha Vikas Aghadi for voting responsibly, Supriya said, "Not a single vote moved an inch. We only have gaps with independent parties. We will work harder on those gaps."

Kuldeep Bishnoi, who cross-voted in Rajya Sabha polls in Haryana, will be removed from membership of CWC (Special Invitee) and will be suspended from the party. A letter will also be written to the Speaker to get his Membership canceled from Assembly, reported ANI, citing sources. 

"Those who respected Hanuman Chalisa won the elections, and the Uddhav Thackeray government, which insulted Hanuman Chalisa lost, that's it. This is just a glimpse, picture abhi baki hai", said Independent MLA Ravi Rana on the Rajya Sabha results.

He also shared photos with BJP leaders Devendra Fadnavis and re-elected MP Piyush goyal, holding the Hanuman Chalisa, 

BJP's central disciplinary committee has issued a show-cause notice to its Rajasthan MLA Shobharani Kushwaha. Yesterday she was suspended from the party's primary membership for cross-voting in favor of Congress candidate Pramod Tiwari in the Rajya Sabha Elections.

In his first reaction to the Rajya Sabha election result, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said, "I was not shocked by the result. Neither side had had the required numbers for the sixth seat. The BJP managed to win over the independents who supported us. I have to say, it is a miracle."

He clarified that there would be no impact on the stability of the state government. "It is clear from these votes that the strength required for the government was in favour of Maha Vikas Aghadi."

Following the Maharashtra Rajya Sabha polls, all Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ministers have now been asked to remain in Mumbai. Due to the crisis created due to the polls, all leaders have been asked to stay back in Mumbai until further notice. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's scheduled program at Pune has been called off.

"In an event-filled day, BJP has won 8 Rajya Sabha seats, and an independent also won with the party's support. The victory exposes the chinks in MVA Govt and punctures their egos," said BJP's national general secretary BL Santhosh on the party's victory. 

The Maha Vikas Aghadi on Saturday expressed dismay over the party's loss of one seat in the Rajya Sabha elections. Leaders of the ruling alliance have alleged that the Election Commission favoured the BJP, by dismissing two votes. 

"Not happy with Election Commission's decision. MVA will take legal opinion then will decide further course of action," said Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Jayant Patil. Similar views were expressed by Yashomati Thakur. 

In a major setback to Maharashtra's ruling alliance of Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress, the BJP won three of the six Rajya Sabha seats, while the ruling combines questioned the eight-hour delay in counting of votes. 

The contest was for the sixth seat — the BJP had fielded former MP Dhananjay Mahadik and the Shiv Sena candidate was Sanjay Pawar, who lost. Mahadik and Pawar hail from Kolhapur in western Maharashtra.

The people of Karnataka have given me the opportunity to serve them again. Every party worker has extended their full-fledged support. It was everyone's effort. I thank Chief Minister Bommai and every BJP karyakarta, said FM Sitharaman on her election to Rajya Sabha from Karnataka. 

CM Basavaraj Bommai also extended best wishes to the Union Finance Minister. 

Congress MLA Kuldeep Bishnoi has voted openly after listening to his inner voice. I can say that he has faith in PM Modi's policies and ideology," said Haryana CM Khattar. 

The BJP has suspended its Rajasthan MLA Shobharani Kushwaha from the party's primary membership for cross-voting in favour of Congress candidate Pramod Tiwari in the Rajya Sabha Elections. She has been given 7 days time to clarify why she voted against the whip, said Rajasthan LoP GC Kataria. 

In the RS elections from Rajasthan, Congress retained its three seats, while BJP bagged one. Independent candidate Subhash Chandra, who was supported by the BJP, lost the elections. 

"I have won as well as Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut and NCP's Praful Patel. I thank the MLAs. We are sad that the fourth candidate of (Maha Vikas Aghadi) Sanjay Pawar could not win," said Congress leader Imran Pratapgarhi. 

"It's a happy moment for us as all three BJP candidates have won from Maharashtra," said Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly, Devendra Fadnavis. 

"I want to thank former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, state party chief Chandrakant Patil and the entire team for the victory," says Union Minister Piyush Goyal after winning RajyaSabhaPolls from Maharashtra.

For the 16 seats for 4 states - Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan & Haryana, here are the winners:

Maharashtra:

• Piyush Goyal (BJP) 
• Anil Bonde (BJP)
• Dhananjay Mahadik (BJP) 
• Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena)
• Praful Patel (NCP)
• Imran Pratapgarhi (Congress)

Karnataka:

• Nirmala Sitharaman (BJP)
• Jaggesh (BJP)
• Lehar Singh Siroya (BJP)
• Jairam Ramesh (Congress)

Rajasthan: (As per CM Ashok Gehlot*)

• Pramod Tiwari (Congress)
• Mukul Wasnik (Congress)
• Randeep Surjewala (Congress)
• Ghanshyam Tiwari (BJP)

Haryana:

• Krishan Pal Panwar (BJP)
• Kartikeya Sharma (Independent - backed by BJP, As per Congress MLA*)

BJP's Dhananjay Mahadik defeats Shiv Sena's Sanjay Pawar to win 6th and final Rajya Sabha seat from Maharashtra in thrilling Rajya Sabha Elections 2022 contest.

Dhananjay Mahadik: 41 votes

Sanjay Pawar: 33 votes

Mahadik joins Piyush Goyal and Dr Anil Bonda (both BJP), Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut, NCP's Praful Patel and Congress' Imran Pratapgarhi in the Rajya Sabha from these elections

'Elections aren't just fought for the sake of fighting, they're fought to win. Jai Maharashtra!,' tweets Devendra Fadnavis in Marathi.

Haryana Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra says Ajay Maken has lost the Rajya Sabha election, minutes after Congress had celebrated saying he'd won.

If the Congress leader's statement is correct, it would mean BJP's Krishan Pal Panwar and BJP-backed independent Kartikeya Sharma have won.

In Maharashtra Rajya Sabha Elections 2022, NCP's Praful Patel, Congress' Imran Pratapgarhi, Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut, BJP's Piyush Goyal & Anil Bonde win RS seats. One more result incoming.

Imran Pratapgarhi: 44 votes

Sanjay Raut: 42 votes

Piyush Goyal: 48 votes

Anil Bonde 48 votes

Praful Patel: 43 votes

The counting of votes is ongoing in Mumbai and officials have declared a quote of 41 votes for victory in the Maharashtra Rajya Sabha election. The announcement of the first result is expected shortly. A quota of 41 is one less than what was estimated at the beginning, and is likely an outcome of the total eligible votes being 284 in the 288 member assembly.

The counting of first preference votes is ongoing in Maharashtra now for 45 minutes. Out of 285 votes, 284 votes are valid and 1 vote, of Shiv Sena MLA Suhas Kande, is invalid. BJP's Piyush Goyal and Anil Bonde, NCP's Praful Patel, Congress' Imran Pratapgarhi and Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut are thought to be assured of their victories in the first preference voting. The contest for the 6th and final seat is between BJP's Dhananjay Mahadik and Shiv Sena's Sanjay Pawar.

Congress MLA Yashomati Thakur, whose vote's validity was also opposed by BJP but accepted by EC, says 'it's a black day for Maharashtra politics' on the vote of Shiv Sena MLA Suhas Kande being rejected by EC as part of the same decision. 

"In democracy agreement to disagreement happens but what BJP did was agenda politics," says Yashomati Thakur.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has canceled his Pimpri-Chinchwad visit. Senior leaders of MVA have directed all the MLAs & Ministers to be present in Mumbai.

Amid high drama late at night in Mumbai, the counting of votes has begun, minutes after the EC directed the Returning Officer to reject the vote of Shiv Sena MLA Suhas Kande.

In Maharashtra Rajya Sabha elections, EC passes detailed order directing Returning Officer to reject Shiv Sena MLA Suhas Kande's vote, clears 4 other votes (1 NCP, 1 Congress, 1 BJP and 1 Independent) over which objections were raised; Permits counting of votes to commence.

CS Signed Order Maharashtra 10.06.2022 by Republic World on Scribd

The Election Commission has allowed the counting of votes for Rajya Sabha seats in Haryana.

The BJP on Friday suspended its Rajasthan MLA Shobharani Kushwah for cross-voting in favour of Congress candidate Pramod Tiwari in the Rajya Sabha elections.

Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria issued an order stating Kushwah voted for Tiwari despite a whip and that she was being suspended from the BJP's primary membership.

In the letter, Kataria also asked the MLA to clarify why she voted against the whip.

BJP state president Satish Poonia said the party high command has been informed about the matter.

The Congress fielded three candidates for the four Rajya Sabha seats in Rajasthan, while the BJP fielded one, besides supporting an independent candidate. 

PTI

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole has written a letter demanding the cancellation of two votes of BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar and independent legislator Ravi Rana for violation of voting procedure.

For four Rajya Sabha seats in Karnataka, six candidates were in the fray. All three candidates of the Bharatiya Janata Party- Nirmala Sitharaman, actor-politician Jaggesh and outgoing MLC Lehar Singh Siroya- have emerged victorious. Congress' Jairam Ramesh has also won.

Congress' Mansoor Ali Khan and Janata Dal (Secular)'s D Kupendra Reddy have lost after failing to secure the required numbers.

All three Congress candidates Pramod Tiwari, Mukul Wasnik and Randeep Singh Surjewala have won Rajya Sabha elections from Rajasthan. BJP candidate Ghanshyam Tiwari has also emerged victorious. Independent candidate Subhash Chandra has lost.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has claimed that all three Congress candidates for Rajya Sabha from state- Pramod Tiwari, Mukul Wasnik and Randeep Surjewala- have won. He also congratulates them.

"Congress' victory in three Rajya Sabha seats in Rajasthan is a victory for democracy. I congratulate all the three newly elected MPs Shri Pramod Tiwari, Shri Mukul Wasnik and Shri Randeep Surjewala. I am sure that all the three MPs will be able to strongly advocate the rights of Rajasthan in Delhi," Gehlot tweeted

"It was clear from the beginning that the Congress had the required majority for all three seats. But BJP tried horse trading by fielding an independent. The solidarity of our MLAs has given a befitting reply to this effort. The BJP will face a similar defeat in the 2023 assembly elections as well," he added

Mumbai city guardian minister and Congress leader Aslam Shaikh claimed that Bharatiya Janata Party does not have the numbers to win the third Rajya Sabha seat from Maharashtra.

"BJP doesn't have numbers. They are going to lose and so they are doing all these dramas. Will wait for the election commission’s reply. They were waiting for what they can do and they got a chance to file a complaint which is a false allegation," Shaikhsaid.

BJP candidate Nirmala Sitaraman and Congress' Jairam Ramesh have won Rajya Elections from Karnataka after the first-round preferential vote counting. A candidate requires 45 votes to win in the Rajya Sabha polls in Karnataka. 

• Nirmala Sitharaman- 46
• Jairam Ramesh - 46
• Jaggesh - 44
• Lehar Singh - 33
• Kupendra Reddy- 30
• Mansoor Khan- 25

As the Rajya Sabha elections were held on Friday for 16 seats in four states - Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana and Karnataka, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday demanded the rejection of three votes by MLAs in Maharashtra and two votes in Haryana, citing a breach of the poll code. Hence, here is the answer to how can a Rajya Sabha vote be rejected. READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

After Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s letter to the Election Commission demanding the cancellation of three MVA votes, Maha Vikas Aghadi has written a counter letter demanding the annulment of two votes - BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar and independent legislator Ravi Rana.

The vote counting has not begun in the Maharashtra assembly as BJP is still demanding that the votes of Yashomati Thakur, Jitendra Awhad and Suhas Kande should be cancelled. BJP claimed that they flouted rules.

Earlier in the day, BJP had raised objections to three votes cast respectively by Yashomati Thakur, NCP's Jitendra Awhad and Shiv Sena's Suhas Kande. Parag Alavani, BJP's polling agent, said that as per rules, the elector has to show ballot to their authorised agent from a safe distance.

However, two of them gave their ballot paper to their agents, while Kande showed it in such a way that two agents of different parties could see it, he added.

The saffron party has also submitted its complaint to EC.

Reacting to Congress leader Ajay Maken's tweet about the counting of votes put on hold in Haryana, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that the same thing is happening in Maharashtra. "Lousy politics," he added.

According to sources, Election Commission (EC) has demanded videography of the Haryana Assembly after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) complained that two Congress Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) displayed votes. The counting of votes has been put on hold.

Full list of candidates for Rajya Sabha Elections 2022: 

Maharashtra key candidates (6 seats)

• Piyush Goyal (BJP)
• Anil Bonde (BJP)
• Dhananjay Mahadik (BJP)
• Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena)
• Sanjay Pawar (Shiv Sena)
• Imran Pratapgarhi (Congress)
• Praful Patel (NCP)

Rajasthan key candidates (4 seats)

• Ghanshyam Tiwari (BJP)
• Randeep Surjewala (Congress)
• Mukul Wasnik (Congress)
• Pramod Tiwari (Congress)
• Subhash Chandra (Independent backed by BJP)

Karnataka key candidates (4 seats)

• Nirmala Sitharaman (BJP)
• Jaggesh (BJP)
• Lahar Singh Siroya (BJP)
• Jairam Ramesh (Congress)
• Mansoor Ali Khan (Congress)
• Kupendra Reddy (JDS)

Haryana key candidates (2 seats)

• Ajay Maken (Congress)
• Krishan Pal Panwar (BJP)
• Kartikeya Sharma (Independent backed by BJP)

Expressing confidence that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will win four Rajya Sabha seats in Maharashtra, polling for which was held on Friday, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said the ruling alliance has numbers in its favour.

Talking to reporters, Raut, who was one of the candidates of the Sena in this election, said an atmosphere was being created that the contest would be tough. "But this is incorrect...An illusion is being created in Maharashtra," he claimed.

"The MVA (comprising Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress) under the leadership of Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has the support of 179 MLAs. There is one MLA less due to the demise of (Sena legislator) Ramesh Latke. You will see these numbers (are) clearly (with us) in today's polls," Raut said. - PTI

Congress leader and the party's Rajya Sabha candidate for Haryana, Ajay Maken, has written a letter to the Election Commission alleging that BJP's Krishan Lal Panwar and Independent candidate Kartikeya Sharma are trying to stop or postpone the result of a clean election after seeing their defeat. 

The rift between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and senior Janata Dal (United) leader RCP Singh continued to deepen with the state government allotting the latter's government bungalow in Patna to the state's chief secretary Sanjay Kumar. 

The development barely comes a week after the JD(U) nominated Khiro Mehto to Rajya Sabha instead of RCP Singh, who is a Cabinet Minister in the BJP-led government at the Centre and once considered a confidante of Nitish Kumar.
Singh was living in the bungalow for over 12 years. - ANI

With less than an hour to go for the counting of votes, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday exuded confidence over BJP's win in the Rajya Sabha elections in the state. "The complainants (against Congress) have been filed. I am sure about victory. But will have to wait till 5 PM," said the Haryana CM.

Polling is over now. 89 MLAs cast their vote out of 90 MLAs in Haryana RS polls.  One independent MLA Balraj Kundu had not cas hist vote.

BJP delegation comprising Union Ministers M.A. Naqvi, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Arjun Ram Meghwal & Jitendra Singh will meet ECI today 10 June, at 5:30 PM at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi.

BJP state president Satish Poonia said the party's high command has been informed about the cross-voting. "This will be decided in the counting and we should wait for it. We have apprised the party high command and we will act according to the suggestions and directions of senior leaders," Poonia said.

Asked about the chances of Independent candidate Subhash Chandra's victory, he said, "We supported him on the basis of our surplus votes. He made his own efforts and we supported him. Lets wait for the counting." - PTI

All 200 Rajasthan MLAs had cast their vote for the Rajya Sabha elections by Friday afternoon. The counting of votes for the four seats will start at 5 pm. Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria admitted that one BJP MLA has cross-voted, which might make the victory of Independent candidate Subhash Chandra difficult - PTI

As per sources, a total of 285 votes have been cast in Maharashtra for the Rajya Sabha Elections. The counting of votes is expected to begin at 5 PM.

The JD(S) leadership on Friday claimed at least two disgruntled MLAs did not vote in favour of its candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls for four seats from Karnataka, defying the party's diktat, with one of its legislators admitting he did so since he "loved" voting for the Congress nominee.

The regional party's Kolar MLA K Srinivas Gowda cast his vote for the Congress candidate, while Gubbi MLA S R Srinivas put a blank ballot paper into the box, which will be counted as invalid, JD(S) legislature party leader H D Kumaraswamy said, fuming at his colleagues.

While Gowda accepted he voted for the Congress candidate, Srinivas rejected Kumaraswamy's claim and insisted he voted for his party's pick. - PTI

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court against an order of the Rajasthan High Court which had dismissed an application seeking interim relief that the results of the Rajya Sabha elections be not declared till the disposal of a petition pertaining to the disqualification of six MLAs of the state.

Six BSP MLAs merged with the ruling Congress legislature party in the state in September 2019. The merger was a boost to the Ashok Gehlot-led state government as the tally of the Congress increased to over 100 in the House of 200 MLAs.
 

Trouble increases for Congress Rajya Sabha candidate in Haryana as Independent Candidate Kartikeya Sharma moves Election Commission, complaining that two Congress MLAs - BB Batra and Kiran Chaudhary - violated the oath of secrecy by showing their votes other than polling agent. The complaint has been sent along with videographic evidence.

Sources indicate that independent candidate Kartikeya has made a strong case against congress and EC may cancel the said two votes of Congress MLAs.

"I will not speak on what AIMIM has done," former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan told Republic. 

Earlier in the day, All India Majilis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Maharashtra unit president Imtiaz Jaleel said that the party has decided to vote for Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidates in the Rajya Sabha polls.

Sources suggest that Congress has won all three seats in Rajasthan. CM Ashok Gehlot will address a press conference at 5 pm today. 

A total of 278 Maharashtra MLAs cast their votes till around 1.30 on Friday in the election for six Rajya Sabha seats in the state, where a close contest is being played out between the ruling Shiv Sena and the opposition BJP for the sixth seat, officials said.

Voting is underway at the Vidhan Bhavan, the state legislature complex here. The polling process, which began at 9 am, will go on till 4 pm and the results will be declared in the evening.

The BJP took exception to the votes cast by three legislators - one each from Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress - the parties that share power in the state as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), claiming that these three members showed their ballots to the authorised agents in such a way that it violated the rules.

However, Energy Minister Nitin Raut said the returning officer rejected the BJP's objection.

The day also saw the Bombay High Court rejecting Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Nawab Malik's petition seeking release from jail to cast his vote in the Rajya Sabha polls. Malik had sought that he be either released from custody on a bond or be permitted to go with a police escort to the Vidhan Bhavan for voting. However, the high court said it did not wish to set a wrong precedent by entertaining Malik's plea.

Former home minister Anil Deshmukh had also filed a similar plea the high court, but it is yet to be heard.- PTI

Speaking to Republic, DK Shivakumar said, "Congress never tried to poach any MLAs or MPs. We are 69 in number, we issued a whip to all 69. They requested me also, and they requested a lot of other leaders also." 

He also denied HD Kumaraswamy's charges saying, "I wish them all the best."

Speaking to Republic, Congress MP Dr Syed Naseer Hussain said, "I can only say good luck to Kumaraswamy and JDS. We supported HD Devegowda to become Prime Minister even though JDS had no numbers. We supported Kumaraswamy to become CM. Support today was the need of the hour to stop one BJP candidate from winning. It will be a very close contest. By this election future direction of parties will be clear."

As the polling for the Rajya Sabha election is presently underway, Samajwadi Party's Maharashtra unit president Abu Azmi on Friday stated that MLAs of his party are supporting the candidates of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai over the Rajya Sabha election, Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar MLA Abu Azmi on Friday said, "We are giving support to Maha Vikas Aghadi because it is standing against BJP. They have promised to run a secular government for the next three years. Together with them (MVA), we will run the government for the next 30 years."

He added, "The government is running on a common minimum program. Whatever problems were there, all of them have been sorted through discussion. My vote is not going with Hindutva, if it were for Hindutva, how would Congress and NCP have gone for it? Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Minister and others sat with us and discussed. They agreed there was a delay on certain issues."

As a mega controversy erupts over voting in the Rajya Sabha elections, sources have revealed that 260 MLAs have cast their votes till 1 pm in Maharashtra.

Congress' Yashomati Thakur, accused by the BJP of casting an 'invalid vote', denies that it was invalid and accuses the BJP of trying to spread confusion. Thakur has alleged that the saffron party is spreading distraction after it came to know its candidate was losing.

Speaking to Republic TV, BJP's Ram Kadam said, "Ballot paper can be shown only to the polling agent. In this case, they showed it to their polling agent. But out of overconfidence, they showed it to other members as well. We have the CCTV footage of the incident. EC should not take it as a valid vote. If we are not heard, we will approach the court."

As per sources, the BJP has objected to 3 votes cast by the MVA Government. The saffron party has raised objection to the votes case by Congress' Yashomati Thakur, NCP's Jitendra Awhad and Shiv Sena's Suhas Kande. They have requested the returning officer to hold their votes invalid.

Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas has claimed that the BJP will suffer a 'big setback' in the state. "Congress will get 126 votes. We have the number of 126 MLAs. BJP will get a big setback," he said.

"BJP will not even get their share of votes. All our three candidates are winning. Everything will be clear by evening. Today's result will also show the result of the 2023 election," he added.

As per sources, 238 votes have been cast in Maharashtra till 12.27 PM.

Advocate Amit Desai for Nawab Malik to move amended application (allow to vote with escort) before an appropriate bench of Bombay HC. He will press for an urgent hearing, likely to happen at 1:30 pm or after lunch, as per sources.

JDS MLA K Srinivasa Gowda confirms voting for the Congress in Rajya Sabha Elections. "I have voted for Congress because I love it."

As per sources, 40% of voting has been completed in Rajasthan as of 12 pm. Sources have revealed that the votes of 2 BJP MLAs have been rejected during the polling process. More details are awaited.

Sources have revealed that the votes of two BJP MLAs Shobha Rani Kushwaha and Kailash Meena have been rejected in the Rajya Sabha polling.

Jailed Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Nawab Malik’s lawyer will file another plea seeking permission to go and cast a vote in the Rajya Sabha under the court’s observation and with a police escort. This comes after the Bombay HC denied immediate relief to the NCP leader to go and vote in the Vidhan Sabha.

Maharashtra: 180 MLAs have cast their votes till 11:37 pm in the Rajya Sabha election, as per news agency ANI. As per sources, at least 30 votes have been cast in favour of Congress and 95 in favour of the BJP.

Bombay HC refuses immediate relief to Nawab Malik to cast his vote in the Rajya Sabha Elections. Advocate Amit Desai requested the High Court to make changes in Malik's application and re-approach the bench. A new application will be filed soon. 

As per the latest sources, 50% of polling for the Rajya Sabha elections has been completed in Maharashtra. About 143 MLAs have exercised their right to vote.

Speaking to reporters, Congress leader Sachin Pilot said, "We know why Rajya Sabha elections are happening. BJP has fielded more candidates than its strength. Congress will get more votes than we expected. Randeep Singh Surjewala will win and go to Rajya Sabha." 

He also lashed out at the BJP and remarked, "Central agencies are being misused now. Sonia Gandhi Ji and Rahul Gandhi have been called to the ED. Such pressure will not work."

Nawab Malik's bail plea hearing begins. NCP leader's counsel argues that the leader is not seeking bail but if the court permits, he will go with an escort to vote and come back. Yesterday, a Mumbai court had rejected the bail pleas of former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and Cabinet Minister Nawab Malik, seeking permission to vote in the Rajya Sabha elections.

"Votes will be given for our candidates. Ajay Maken will get more votes than anyone. This will be proved in the evening when counting will be done," said Congress' Deepender Singh Hooda.

Speaking to the media after arriving at the Vidhan Sabha, NCP's Jayant Patil said, "No one is angry with anyone." The leader also remarked that 'injustice happened with Anil Deshmukh', who continues to remain lodged in jail ahead of the crucial Rajya Sabha voting. 

"MVA is united. Both candidates of Shiv Sena will win. There is no reason for getting upset with anyone," said Jayant Patil.

"We have just cast our vote. All our three candidates will win the Rajya Sabha elections. That is their internal affairs (on tiff between JDS and Congress)," Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar told Republic.

AIMIM leader says had discussions with the MVA government over reservations for Muslims before agreeing to vote for the MVA candidates. "Have demanded rent for Waqf Board as well," says AIMIM MLA Imtiaz Jaleel.

As per sources, the BJP and NCP are said to be neck-to-neck in Maharashtra. Around 60 MLAs are said to have voted already. 

In Maharashtra, which is witnessing RS polls after 2 decades, the BJP has fielded Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Anil Bonde, and ex-Member of Parliament Dhananjay Mahadik, while Shiv Sena has placed two candidates - Sanjay Raut and Sanjay Pawar.

NCP has renominated Praful Patel, while Congress has Imran Pratapgarhi. The battle for the sixth seat is between BJP's Dhananjay Mahadik and Shiv Sena's Sanjay Pawar.

BJP-JJP MLAs have arrived in buses to vote in the Haryana assembly. Yesterday, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar met all the coalition MLAs at Sukh Villa resort near Mohali. This came as the Haryana Congress shifted its MLAs to Chhattisgarh's Raipur to prevent any horse-trading of MLAs ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls.

In a big twist, former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy has hit out at the Congress. "Siddaramaiah speaking on secularism...Congress has dismantled secularism in India," said the JDS leader.

Polling for 16 Rajya Sabha seats in 4 states is underway amid allegations of attempts at horse-trading by rival parties which have corralled their MLAs in hotels and scenic resorts. The polling started at 9 am and will continue till 4 pm. The counting of votes will take place at 5 pm. - PTI

As per sources, Congress MLA Kuldeep Bishnoi has cast his vote in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha. Despite being a Congress member did not accompany Congress MLAs coming to vote in the legislative assemby. Speculation over his vote continues.

Mumbai Congress president Bhai Jagtap speaks to media ahead of voting. "MVA will win with big margin. I don't want to go into nitty-gritties (of the 6th seat). Our 4 candidates will win the big margin," he says. 

NCP's Praful Patel exudes confidence ahead of Rajya Sabha voting, says 'we will win 100%'. In Maharashtra, which is witnessing RS polls after 2 decades, the BJP has fielded Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Anil Bonde, and ex-Member of Parliament Dhananjay Mahadik, while Shiv Sena has placed two candidates - Sanjay Raut and Sanjay Pawar. NCP has renominated Praful Patel, while Congress has Imran Pratapgarhi. The battle for the sixth seat is between BJP's Dhananjay Mahadik and Shiv Sena's Sanjay Pawar.

As per sources, voting has begun in Haryana. The Congress is banking on MLA Kuldeep Bishnoi to vote for party candidate Ajay Maken. Bishnoi has remained tight-lipped over his choice, asserting on voting from his 'inner soul'. 

"All four candidates of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will win. We have full support," said Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut. The senior leader also denied any reports of infighting between the alliance and played down differences over quota allocation.

Giving no confirmation of voting for Congress candidate Ajay Maken in Haryana, senior party leader Kuldeep Bishnoi reached the Vidhan Sabha on Friday. While the grand-old-party is banking on Bishnoi's vote, the leader has asserted that he will vote by his 'inner soul'.

Congress is seemingly facing a big setback in Haryana. Despite late-night meetings, senior Haryana MLA Kuldeep Bishnoi has decided to back independent candidates instead of voting for his own party. As per sources, he will not be voting in favour of Congress candidate Ajay Maken. Not only Bishnoi, but as per sources, there are 3 to 4 more top leaders of Congress who will be voting against the party.

"Their party did not like their candidate. We would have won 3, BJP could have won 1. They will all be defeated again," said the Rajasthan Chief Minister. 

As per sources, a tiff has erupted between MVA allies NCP and Shiv Sena over the former's increased quota. As per sources, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar has increased the quota of the NCP to 44, causing 'major differences' between the two parties.

Ahead of the crucial Rajya Sabha elections, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole assured that the party has 'sufficient numbers'. "We have more numbers than the BJP. We have sufficient numbers. MVA candidates will win 4 seats," said Patole.

On the eve of elections to six Rajya Sabha seats in Maharashtra, senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday held a meeting here with the MLAs of his party, where he advised them to ensure that their votes do not turn invalid due to some mistake. The former chief minister was speaking to the BJP MLAs at a hotel.

"You have been instructed on how to exercise the preferential voting for the Rajya Sabha. You will have to ensure that your vote will not become invalid due to some mistake," the Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Assembly said. "We have told you how to vote and you should do it accordingly," he added. 

Union Railway Minister and election in-charge for the BJP Ashwini Vaishnav was also present at this meeting. Fadnavis, who tested negative for COVID-19 on Thursday, days after being found infected, joined the meeting and addressed the MLAs.

After more than two decades, Maharashtra will witness a contest in the Rajya Sabha polls as there are seven candidates in the fray for six seats. Polling will be held at the Vidhan Bhavan, the state legislature complex, here between 9 am and 4 pm. - PTI
 

Independent candidate Kartikeya Sharma has arrived at Haryana Vidhan Sabha ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls. Three Congress MLAs Aftab Ahmed, BB Batra, and Vivek Bansal also reached the Vidhan Sabha. BJP candidate Kishan Lal Powar also reached the spot.

Congress MLAs have departed from the Renaissance Hotel in Mumbai's Powai, where they were hoarded ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections. They are now headed to the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha. Polling is set to begin at 9 am and will conclude at 4 pm.

All Maharashtra MLAs, as well as Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, have started to arrive at the Vidhan Sabah for the Rajya Sabha polling. Seven candidates are in the fray for the Rajya Sabha six seats in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has reached Vidhan Bhavan ahead of the Rajya Sabha election.

Haryana Congress MLAs left for Chandigarh from Delhi this morning by bus. They had arrived in the national capital for the Rajya Sabha elections, Chhattisgarh's Raipur yesterday, where they were staying at a resort.

AIMIM's two Maharashtra MLAs will be voting for Congress candidate Imran Pratapgarhi in today's Rajya Sabha election. AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel informed that his party has laid certain conditions before the MVA govt, with regards to the development of its MLA's constituencies - Dhulia and Malegaon.

In return for the support in RS polls, AIMIM also demanded the Maharashtra govt to appoint a minority member in MPSC and take steps to increase the income of the Maharashtra Wakf Board.

"We are confident that our candidate Ajay Maken will win with more votes than our strength," said Haryana Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda today, despite uncertainty over his election.

On Friday, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) MLA Abhay Singh Chautala pledged support for the independent and BJP-supported candidate Kartikeya Sharma, putting Maken's election into trouble. Moreover, Congress MLA Kuldeep Bishnoi could also vote against the party in the Rajya Sabha elections, while 2-3 MLAs close to Bishnoi are also likely to cross-vote in favour of the independent candidate.

The Rajya Sabha election to fill the 57 seats across the 15 states will take place today. Elections will be held for six seats in Maharashtra, two in Haryana, and five each in Rajasthan and Karnataka. At least 41 candidates have previously been elected unopposed. The Upper House election will be critical in light of the upcoming Presidential elections on July 18.

Fearing poaching ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls, the Rajasthan government ordered the suspension of internet access in the Amer area of Jaipur district on Thursday till 9 a.m. on Friday, where Congress MLAs are staying after returning from Udaipur.
According to a statement, however, voice calls and broadband services in the area have not been interrupted. On Friday, voters will go to the polls for the Parliament's upper house. Notably, all Congress MLAs have been relocated to the Hotel Leela in the Amer region, where internet access has been stopped.

The Election Commission of India announced on June 9 that the polls to elect the 15th President of India will be held on July 18. Since then, names of Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi are being circulated as 'possible' NDA candidates for the Presidential elections.

Top scholars and Kerala governor Arif Mohammad Khan, as well as Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, are among the names being floated as probable NDA candidates in the 2019 Presidential elections. While Khan is well-known for his outspoken support for modernism among Muslims, Naqvi's future is uncertain since he was not renominated for the next Rajya Sabha elections.

In the wake of charges of horse-trading in four states' Rajya Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced on June 9 that special observers have been hired to oversee the June 10 Rajya Sabha ballot process, which will be videotaped. Biennial elections for 57 Rajya Sabha seats were announced lately, and 41 candidates were declared uncontested last Friday in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Telangana, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand.

On Friday, June 10, the Rajya Sabha will hold elections for 16 seats across four states. The four states are Maharastra (six seats), Rajasthan (four seats), Karnataka (four seats), and Haryana (two seats). The counting will begin an hour after the polls close. The newly elected members will almost certainly vote in the presidential election on July 18. Read More Here.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the chief electoral officer of Rajasthan to ensure free and fair elections of Rajya Sabha, apparently after charge by Congress against the BJP of possible horse-trading attempts.

The ECI forwarded a representation, submitted by Congress on June 7 to  ECI, to the CEO directing him to take necessary action on the representation. 
 

Haryana Congress MLAs arrive in Delhi, from Raipur in Chhattisgarh, ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections on Friday, June 10.

"In continuation of the Chintan Shivir in Udaipur (Rajasthan), Chintan Shivir-training session was held in Raipur (Chhattisgarh)...As far as Rajya Sabha elections are concerned, we will send our candidate to the Parliament with more votes than our total strength," said Congress leader Deepender Hooda.

Haryana Congress MLAs arrive in Delhi, from Raipur in Chhattisgarh, ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections on Friday, June 10.

"In continuation of the Chintan Shivir in Udaipur (Rajasthan), Chintan Shivir-training session was held in Raipur (Chhattisgarh)...As far as Rajya Sabha elections are concerned, we will send our candidate to the Parliament with more votes than our total strength," said Congress leader Deepender Hooda.

Rashtriya Loktantrik Party convener and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal on Thursday said that a defamation case will be filed in the Rajasthan High Court against AAP leader Vinay Mishra for levelling allegations of horse-trading of RLP MLAs for June 10 Rajya Sabha polls.

He said an FIR has been lodged against Mishra by RLP state president and Bhopalgarh MLA Pukhraj Garg at Jalupura police station under various sections of the IPC. 

I have heard that two of the three MLAs of RLP say that they took Rs 40 crore, what will we get? We will vote only where we feel like it. A revolt among legislators, Mishra in a tweet had said after RLP announced its support to the BJP-backed Independent candidate Subhash Chandra in the Rajya Sabha polls.

Polling for 16 Rajya Sabha seats in four states will be held on Friday amid allegations of attempts at horse-trading by rival parties which have corralled their MLAs in hotels and scenic resorts,  prompting the Election Commission to appoint special observers and order videography of the entire exercise.

Prominent among those whose electoral fate will be decided are Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal, Congress candidates Randeep Surjewala, Jairam Ramesh and Mukul Wasnik, and Shiv Sena's ubiquitous face Sanjay Raut. All these leaders are expected to win without a hiccup.

Biennial elections to 57 Rajya Sabha seats were announced recently and all 41 candidates in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Telangana, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand were declared elected unopposed last Friday.

However, elections will be held for 16 seats of Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka on Friday as the number of candidates exceeds the seats going to the polls.

Arch-rivals BJP and Congress have corralled their MLAs in hotels and resorts lest they should be poached, treating them to generous hospitality.
 

BJP MLA Chandrakanta Meghwal on Thursday approached a court here seeking anticipatory bail in an assault case, days after she was asked to appear before police for questioning.

The Keshoraipatan MLA also shot a letter to the Rajasthan Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that the Rajasthan government is misusing its powers to prevent her from voting in the Rajya Sabha elections on Friday.

She urged the commissioner to ensure free and impartial elections.

Police had served a notice on her twice this week, asking the MLA to appear for questioning in the five-year-old case.

The MLA, however, skipped an appearance at Mahaveer Nagar police station on Thursday.

Accepting her bail plea, the court directed police to produce the case dairy and decided to hear the matter on Friday.
 

The Rajya Sabha is set to go into polls for 16 seats across four states on Friday, June 10. Among the four states are Maharastra with six seats, Rajasthan with four seats, Karnataka with four seats and Haryana with two seats. Counting will take place an hour after the polling concludes. The new elected members will most likely vote in the President’s election as well on July 18. CHECK THE DATE, TIME AND RESULTS HERE.

In a setback for Indian National Congress, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) MLA Abhay Chautala will not vote for the grand old party.

While the BJP with 40 MLAs has sufficient votes to win one seat, the contest has spiced up for the second seat with entry of media baron Kartikeya Sharma, an Independent candidate who is backed by the BJP-JJP combine.  

He is also supported by Independents and Gopal Kanda, lone MLA of the Haryana Lokhit Party. A candidate needs 31 votes to win the elections.

The BJP has fielded former Minister Krishan Lal Panwar while Ajay Maken is the Congress nominee.

Independent MLA Balraj Kundu, who is yet to make his stand clear on whom he will support, was on Thursday evening approached by Kartikeya's father and former Union Minister Venod Sharma, who sought support for his son.  

Buses carrying Rajasthan Congress MLAs have reached The Leela Palace Jaipur, ahead of Rajya Sabha elections on Friday, July 9.

"Now it should be clear to them (BJP) that they can't disintegrate the unity of Congress through their actions. Congress is intact and together the party will win all 3 seats tomorrow. After voting you can count, Congress will have all 126 votes," Congress leader Raghu Sharma said.

After a special court here refused to grant temporary bail to them to cast their votes in the Rajya Sabha elections to be held on Friday, Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik and former minister Anil Deshmukh on Thursday approached the Bombay High Court for relief. 

The legal teams of Malik and Deshmukh sought permission to file pleadings challenging the special court's order and sought an urgent hearing.

In their petitions, the two NCP leaders have sought that they either be granted a temporary bail of one day or be allowed to cast their vote at the polling booth in the presence of an escort. 
 

Rajya Sabha elections will be held for 16 seats in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana and Karnataka. Here's a look at how the contest could go.

Rajasthan: 4 seats

• Preference votes needed: 41 
• Congress: 2 seat win possible 
• BJP: 1 seat win possible 
• Nail-biter expected in 1 seat

Maharashtra: 6 seats

• Preference votes needed: 42
• BJP: 2 seat win possible 
• Shiv Sena: 1 seat win possible 
• Nail-biter expected in 3 seats 

Karnataka: 4 seats

• Preference votes needed: 45
• BJP: 2 seat win possible 
• Congress: 1 seat win possible 
• Tough contest in one seat

Haryana: 2 seats

• Preference votes needed: 30
• Congress: 1 seat win possible 
• Nail-biter expected in 1 seat

Congress Haryana MLAs have left for Chandigarh before voting in the Rajya Sabha election on Friday. Till now, there were staying at a resort in Chhattisgarh's Raipur.

Unlike Lok Sabha or Assembly elections, where people directly elect representatives, the Rajya Sabha MPs are elected by Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

They vote for preferred candidates as 1, 2, 3... in order of first, second, or third choice. In all the states, the ruling party will have an edge over the opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha elections.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanded JDS support for Congress' RS candidate Mansoor Ali Khan, who filed his nomination one day prior to JDS' Kupendra Reddy. Notably, there are 6 candidates in the fray for the 4 RS seats in Karnataka.

While the ruling BJP is in pole position for 2 seats and the Congress can also get one of their candidates elected based on the strength in the assembly, there is a tug of war for the fourth seat, for which the support of JDS is crucial.

"Mansoor Ali Khan filed his nomination one day early to JDS's Kupendra Reddy. He belongs to minority community. If they are really interested that a communal candidate should not win in this election, they should support us. Kumaraswamy should realise when Devegowda got elected, did we file our nomination?" 

A special court in Mumbai on Thursday dismissed the pleas filed by Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik and ex-minister Anil Deshmukh seeking a day's bail to vote in the Rajya Sabha elections to be held on Friday. 

Deshmukh and Malik, both NCP leaders, are currently lodged in jail in connection with different money laundering cases being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The duo had last week filed applications seeking temporary bail before special judge R N Rokade.
 

The Rajya Sabha polls will be held on June 10 and the results are expected to be declared on the same day. The last day for filing nominations was May 31, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature was June 3.

Among the four states are Maharastra with six seats, Rajasthan with four seats, Karnataka with four seats and Haryana with two seats.

Elections were announced to fill 57 Rajya Sabha seats from 15 states that will be falling vacant due to the retirement of members between June and August. Following this, 41 candidates were declared elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha.

P Chidambaram and Rajeev Shukla of the Congress, BJP's Sumitra Valmiki and Kavita Patidar, former Congress leader Kapil Sibal, RJD's Misa Bharti and Jayant Chaudhary of the RLD were among the names elected unopposed to the Upper House of the Parliament. All the 11 candidates in Uttar Pradesh, six in Tamil Nadu, five in Bihar, four in Andhra Pradesh, three each in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, two each in Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Telangana and Jharkhand and one candidate in Uttarakhand won seats without a contest at the polls.

Rajya Sabha elections will be held for 16 seats and all major parties in the states including the BJP, Congress, NCP, and JDS have all lined up candidates. Among the big names in the fight for the final seats are BJP’s Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman. Congress’ Jairam Ramesh, Randeep Surjewala, Ajay Maken, Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena and NCP’s Praful Patel are all leaders who populate the key candidates' list for the upcoming polls.

Maharashtra key candidates (6 seats)

• Piyush Goyal (BJP)
• Anil Bonde (BJP)
• Dhananjay Mahadik (BJP)
• Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena)
• Sanjay Pawar (Shiv Sena)
• Imran Pratapgarhi (Congress)
• Praful Patel (NCP)

Rajasthan key candidates (4 seats)

• Ghanshyam Tiwari (BJP)
• Randeep Surjewala (Congress)
• Mukul Wasnik (Congress)
• Pramod Tiwari (Congress)
• Subhash Chandra (Independent backed by BJP)

Karnataka key candidates (4 seats)

• Nirmala Sitharaman (BJP)
• Jaggesh (BJP)
• Lahar Singh Siroya (BJP)
• Jairam Ramesh (Congress)
• Mansoor Ali Khan (Congress)
• Kupendra Reddy (JDS)

Haryana key candidates (2 seats)

• Ajay Maken (Congress)
• Krishan Pal Panwar (BJP)
• Kartikeya Sharma (Independent backed by BJP)