Leaders cutting across political lines in State have welcomed the Election Commission of India (ECI) decision to postpone Rajya Sabha that was scheduled for March 26. Looking at the coronavirus lockdown in Delhi and most other states, the ECI has decided to postpone the Rajya Sabha election.
Welcoming the decision, BJP state president and party’s Rajya Sabha candidate Deepak Prakash said, “For me country and society is more important than election. I welcome the decision to postpone the Rajya Sabha election.
Election can be held any time after we win the battle against the deadly disease.” Apart from Deepak Prakash, the Congress too has welcomed the decision to postpone the election.
Congress observer for Rajya Sabha election Panna Lal Punia (PL Punia) along with state parliamentary affairs minister Alamgir Alam, Finance Minister Rameshwar Oraon and others on Tuesday morning visited JMM chief Shibu Soren and discussed about Rajya Sabha election. Punia said, “As I have come Ranchi it is customary that we have to meet Shibu Soren who is undisputed the tallest leader in State.”
Echoing the views of Punia, finance minister Rameshwar Oraon said, “The country is facing though very bad phase due to deadly coronavirus scare and in such situation if the ECI has taken the decision to postpone the Rajya Sabha election than it is good step.” Congress Legislature party leader Alamgir Alam said, “A better decision has come from the Election Commission and I thank the Election Commission on behalf of the MLAs. Whenever elections are held, victory will be ours only.”
Punia in the afternoon returned New Delhi where he will apprise Congress president Sonia Gandhi about the prevailing situation. AJSU party, which is supporting BJP in Rajya Sabha election too has welcomed the decision to postpone Rajya Sabha election. AJSU party MLA Lambodar Mahto said, “Election can be held after the fight against deadly coronavirus. We appreciate the effort of ECI.”
Election to fill up 55 seats in the Upper House of Parliament was to be held on March 26, but 37 candidates have already been elected without a contest.The decision on holding the Rajya Sabha election for the remaining 18 seats will be taken based on the prevailing situation, sources said.
For winning the election, JMM requires the support 27 MLAs and the party has support of 29 MLAs in such situation JMM Chief Shibu Soren is sure to enter Rajya Sabha.
After the first preference 27 MLAs, 52 MLAs are left and then any party needs the support of 27 MLAs as first preference for winning the election.
BJP has 25 MLAs and including Marandi the strength the party is 26. The party requires the support of only one MLA for sailing the Rajya Sabha election.