RJD MLA who skipped Bihar Rajya Sabha poll voting cites mother's illness

RJD MLA who skipped Bihar Rajya Sabha poll voting cites mother's illness

Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) MLA Faisal Rahman, who did not cast his vote in the Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar on Monday, said he skipped the polling due to his mother’s illness. In an exclusive conversation with India Today TV, Rahman said his mother is unwell and currently in Delhi.

The legislator said he had travelled to Patna to participate in the voting but had to return to Delhi after learning about his mother’s deteriorating health. Rahman added that his party leadership was aware of the situation, stressing that “nothing is more important than one’s mother.”

Voting for the Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar concluded at 4 pm. The Mahagathbandhan faced a setback as four of its MLAs did not cast their votes. Apart from Rahman, three Congress MLAs — Manohar Prasad, Surendra Kushwaha and Manoj Vishwas — also skipped voting, leaving the alliance’s tally stuck at 37.

In contrast, all 202 MLAs of the NDA cast their votes. With the opposition short of numbers, the NDA’s fifth candidate, Shivesh Kumar, is expected to gain the edge. He is likely to secure around 38 votes, while RJD candidate A D Singh may receive 37. Counting of votes is set to begin shortly, after which the final results will be declared.