Lalu outwits Paswan in RS election

Patna, Mar 29 (UNI) RJD president Lalu Prasad outwitted his LJP counterpart Ram Vilas Paswan, when second RJD nominee Rajneeti Prasad posted victory sailing past Ranjan Prasad Yadav fielded by LJP for the sixth Rajya Sabha seat from Bihar for which polling took place here today.

On the expected line, other five candidates-three from JD(U), one each from BJP and RJD had a safe passage to the Upper House in the biennial election marked by cross voting.

While first choice RJD candidate Prof Jabir Hussain polled 35 votes, the second nominee Rajneeti Prasad went ahead of him with 37 votes in his kitty against a total strength of 65 enjoyed by RJD and its allies.

Although four-member BSP legislature party pledged support to RJD, one of them resorted to cross-voting joined by the lone member of NCP, which is an ally of RJD.

Going by simple calculation on the basis of strength in the assembly, victory of 3 JD (U) and one each from RJD and BJP was a premeditated conclusion while uncertainty ruled the political scenerio over the fate of second RJD nominee Mr Prasad and LJP candidate Ranjan Prasad Yadav.

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