Phone switched off, no trace: How 4 Bihar MLAs 'went missing' during Rajya Sabha polls, helped NDA scoop up all 5 seats

Four opposition MLAs — three from the Congress and one from the RJD — failed to cast their votes in the Rajya Sabha election.

• Four Mahagathbandhan MLAs skipped Rajya Sabha voting in Bihar
• Their absence weakened the alliance's position in the contest
• RJD blamed Congress for poor coordination and alleged foul play

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The Mahagathbandhan on Monday faced a major setback in Bihar on Monday when four of its MLAs skipped voting in the Rajya Sabha elections, weakening its position in the contest.

Various reports suggested that their mobile phones were switched off and attempts to contact them were unsuccessful.

According to PTI, NDA insiders claimed that "all 202 MLAs" belonging to the alliance had taken part in the polling.

These included Kumar's JD(U), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) led by Union minister Chirag Paswan, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) headed by Jitan Ram Manjhi and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha of Upendra Kushwaha, who is one of the five candidates.

According to reports, the incident has stirred anger within the RJD, with leaders privately blaming the Congress for poor internal coordination. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also accused the ruling alliance of foul play, alleging that “inducements were offered to lawmakers who either voted against the alliance or stayed away”.

Who are these four ‘missing’ MLAs?

Surendra Prasad Kushwaha: The Congress MLA was elected in the 2025 Bihar Assembly polls from Valmiki Nagar. He is said to have built his career focusing on grassroots issues in northwestern Bihar. However, his absence during the crucial Rajya Sabha vote raised questions within the alliance about internal discipline and coordination.

Manohar Prasad Singh: The Congress MLA from Manihari was earlier with the JD(U). His shifts reflect the frequent realignments in Bihar politics, where leaders often adjust their affiliations based on caste dynamics, constituencies, and alliances.

Faisal Rahman: The RJD leader and MLA from the Dhaka constituency in East Champaran, has a background in agriculture and social service. He first won the seat in 2015, lost it in 2020, and reclaimed it in 2025. According to News18, he missed the recent Rajya Sabha vote as he had to return to New Delhi to attend to his mother’s ill health.

Manoj Biswas: He is a Congress MLA from Forbesganj after winning the closely contested seat in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. His victory was important for Congress, especially in the Seemanchal region, where the party has been working to regain ground against the BJP. Although Biswas is not known for switching loyalties, his absence during the Rajya Sabha voting has raised questions about his position.

Criteria for winning RS election in Bihar

Each candidate in Bihar would have required at least 41 votes to win, assuming all 243 MLAs participated. The BJP holds 89 seats in the 243-member Assembly.