June 17, 2026

NEW DELHI: Satyabrata Kumar, former Enforcement Directorate (ED) special director and lead investigator in several high-profile money laundering cases, including those against Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and the Mahadev online betting app, has taken voluntary retirement from service (VRS).A 2004-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the Customs and Indirect Taxes cadre, Kumar was posted as Commissioner (Appeals) in Siliguri, West Bengal, after being repatriated from the ED a year ago.He served in the ED for nearly 12 years, making him one of the longest-serving officers on deputation in the agency.According to officials, the 48-year-old officer was granted approval by the Union government to proceed on VRS in April, and formal orders were issued earlier this month.The officer, who was scheduled to retire in 2037, had about 11 years of service remaining before attaining the superannuation age of 60 years, officials said.Sources told PTI that Kumar left government service to pursue personal pursuits.Kumar led investigations undertaken by the ED’s Mumbai-based western regional office, including the alleged USD 2 billion bank fraud case against diamond traders Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, the bank loan fraud case against liquor baron Vijay Mallya, and a number of cases involving Maharashtra politicians.He was instrumental in the attachment of several foreign-based assets worth crores, identified as proceeds of crime, in the PNB fraud case.The ED’s western regional office under Kumar also probed the Mahadev betting app case, in which links to various Chhattisgarh-based politicians and businessmen emerged.This is the second time in less than a year that an officer has resigned from government service soon after leaving the ED.In July 2025, Kapil Raj, a former ED joint director who supervised the arrests of Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal in separate money laundering cases, resigned from service 15 years before his scheduled retirement.Raj belonged to the 2009-batch IRS (Customs and Indirect Taxes) and had served in the ED for eight years.He resigned while serving as additional commissioner in the GST Intelligence wing in Delhi.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMamata Banerjee To Lead June 2 Kolkata Sit-In Over Alleged Attacks On Abhishek Banerjee, TMC LeadersVP Radhakrishnan Warns Indian Youth May Follow ‘Cockroach’ If Positive News Is Ignored‘INDIA Stands United’: Abhishek Banerjee Thanks Rahul Gandhi For Support After Sonarpur AttackKunal Ghosh Targets TMC Leaders Over Silence On Abhishek Banerjee Attack, Sparks Internal DebateNepal PM Invokes Britain In India Border Row, Says ‘We Have Also Encroached On Indian Areas’Rahul Gandhi Meets CBSE Student Vedant, Mocks ‘Anti-National’ And ‘Deep State Agent’ AllegationsKalyan Banerjee Alleges Assault Near Chanditala Police Station, TMC-BJP Face Off Intensifies In WBLeaked Audio Allegedly Shows Mamata Berating Hospital CEO After Attack On Abhishek BanerjeeHeavy Security Deployed As Authorities Begin Road-Widening Demolition In Shalimar BaghDK Shivakumar Takes Over As Karnataka CM, Congress Signals Continued Key Role For Siddaramaiah123PhotostoriesWhy does postpartum hair fall happen?Causes, treatment, and effective ways to manage it7 powerful reverse psychology tricks that usually work6 types of litchi available in India and how to pick the sweetest one at the market22-year-old influencer dies after dealing with depression and anxiety: 7 things women should do before reaching a breaking pointKriti Sanon is serving flirty luxe with emerald envy in this Rs 67,000 designer mini dress for ‘Cocktail 2′ promotionsArchana Puran Singh’s son Aaryamann gives a glimpse of his new approximately Rs 50 crore house in Madh Island; he shares an important update7 factors making India’s coastal towns real estate investment hotspots5 surprising ways yoga changes your mind and soul (not just your body)Success quote of the day by Virat Kohli: “Whatever you want to do, do it with…”Heatwave hacks: A complete survival plan for India’s scorching summer123Hot PicksRCB vs GT IPL Final LiveVinesh PhogatMonsoon ForecastHenry Nowak murderFrancisco CerundoloDonald TrumpGold price predictionTop TrendingDK ShivakumarSpursUP CNET Admit CardVinesh PhogatNorway ChessSupreme CourtMumbai Air India ColonyBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
NEW DELHI: Satyabrata Kumar, former Enforcement Directorate (ED) special director and lead investigator in several high-profile money laundering cases, including those against Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and the Mahadev online betting app, has taken voluntary retirement from service (VRS).A 2004-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the Customs and Indirect Taxes cadre, Kumar was posted as Commissioner (Appeals) in Siliguri, West Bengal, after being repatriated from the ED a year ago.He served in the ED for nearly 12 years, making him one of the longest-serving officers on deputation in the agency.According to officials, the 48-year-old officer was granted approval by the Union government to proceed on VRS in April, and formal orders were issued earlier this month.The officer, who was scheduled to retire in 2037, had about 11 years of service remaining before attaining the superannuation age of 60 years, officials said.Sources told PTI that Kumar left government service to pursue personal pursuits.Kumar led investigations undertaken by the ED’s Mumbai-based western regional office, including the alleged USD 2 billion bank fraud case against diamond traders Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, the bank loan fraud case against liquor baron Vijay Mallya, and a number of cases involving Maharashtra politicians.He was instrumental in the attachment of several foreign-based assets worth crores, identified as proceeds of crime, in the PNB fraud case.The ED’s western regional office under Kumar also probed the Mahadev betting app case, in which links to various Chhattisgarh-based politicians and businessmen emerged.This is the second time in less than a year that an officer has resigned from government service soon after leaving the ED.In July 2025, Kapil Raj, a former ED joint director who supervised the arrests of Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal in separate money laundering cases, resigned from service 15 years before his scheduled retirement.Raj belonged to the 2009-batch IRS (Customs and Indirect Taxes) and had served in the ED for eight years.He resigned while serving as additional commissioner in the GST Intelligence wing in Delhi.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMamata Banerjee To Lead June 2 Kolkata Sit-In Over Alleged Attacks On Abhishek Banerjee, TMC LeadersVP Radhakrishnan Warns Indian Youth May Follow ‘Cockroach’ If Positive News Is Ignored‘INDIA Stands United’: Abhishek Banerjee Thanks Rahul Gandhi For Support After Sonarpur AttackKunal Ghosh Targets TMC Leaders Over Silence On Abhishek Banerjee Attack, Sparks Internal DebateNepal PM Invokes Britain In India Border Row, Says ‘We Have Also Encroached On Indian Areas’Rahul Gandhi Meets CBSE Student Vedant, Mocks ‘Anti-National’ And ‘Deep State Agent’ AllegationsKalyan Banerjee Alleges Assault Near Chanditala Police Station, TMC-BJP Face Off Intensifies In WBLeaked Audio Allegedly Shows Mamata Berating Hospital CEO After Attack On Abhishek BanerjeeHeavy Security Deployed As Authorities Begin Road-Widening Demolition In Shalimar BaghDK Shivakumar Takes Over As Karnataka CM, Congress Signals Continued Key Role For Siddaramaiah123PhotostoriesWhy does postpartum hair fall happen?Causes, treatment, and effective ways to manage it7 powerful reverse psychology tricks that usually work6 types of litchi available in India and how to pick the sweetest one at the market22-year-old influencer dies after dealing with depression and anxiety: 7 things women should do before reaching a breaking pointKriti Sanon is serving flirty luxe with emerald envy in this Rs 67,000 designer mini dress for ‘Cocktail 2′ promotionsArchana Puran Singh’s son Aaryamann gives a glimpse of his new approximately Rs 50 crore house in Madh Island; he shares an important update7 factors making India’s coastal towns real estate investment hotspots5 surprising ways yoga changes your mind and soul (not just your body)Success quote of the day by Virat Kohli: “Whatever you want to do, do it with…”Heatwave hacks: A complete survival plan for India’s scorching summer123Hot PicksRCB vs GT IPL Final LiveVinesh PhogatMonsoon ForecastHenry Nowak murderFrancisco CerundoloDonald TrumpGold price predictionTop TrendingDK ShivakumarSpursUP CNET Admit CardVinesh PhogatNorway ChessSupreme CourtMumbai Air India ColonyBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak


Officer who led ED probes against Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya takes VRS

NEW DELHI: Satyabrata Kumar, former Enforcement Directorate (ED) special director and lead investigator in several high-profile money laundering cases, including those against Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and the Mahadev online betting app, has taken voluntary retirement from service (VRS).A 2004-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the Customs and Indirect Taxes cadre, Kumar was posted as Commissioner (Appeals) in Siliguri, West Bengal, after being repatriated from the ED a year ago.He served in the ED for nearly 12 years, making him one of the longest-serving officers on deputation in the agency.According to officials, the 48-year-old officer was granted approval by the Union government to proceed on VRS in April, and formal orders were issued earlier this month.The officer, who was scheduled to retire in 2037, had about 11 years of service remaining before attaining the superannuation age of 60 years, officials said.Sources told PTI that Kumar left government service to pursue personal pursuits.Kumar led investigations undertaken by the ED’s Mumbai-based western regional office, including the alleged USD 2 billion bank fraud case against diamond traders Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, the bank loan fraud case against liquor baron Vijay Mallya, and a number of cases involving Maharashtra politicians.He was instrumental in the attachment of several foreign-based assets worth crores, identified as proceeds of crime, in the PNB fraud case.The ED’s western regional office under Kumar also probed the Mahadev betting app case, in which links to various Chhattisgarh-based politicians and businessmen emerged.This is the second time in less than a year that an officer has resigned from government service soon after leaving the ED.In July 2025, Kapil Raj, a former ED joint director who supervised the arrests of Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal in separate money laundering cases, resigned from service 15 years before his scheduled retirement.Raj belonged to the 2009-batch IRS (Customs and Indirect Taxes) and had served in the ED for eight years.He resigned while serving as additional commissioner in the GST Intelligence wing in Delhi.



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NEW DELHI: India has succeeded in bringing 21.7 million hectares of degraded land under restoration against its target of restoring 26 million hectares by 2030 as per its voluntary global commitment, shows the country’s second progress report on the Bonn Challenge released on the world day to combat desertification and drought on Wednesday.Among states, Telangana restored the maximum (4.2 million hectares) degraded area followed by Madhya Pradesh (3.8 million ha), Odisha (2.6 million ha), Gujarat (1.7 million ha) and Andhra Pradesh (1.6 million ha).The Bonn Challenge is a voluntary global restoration pledge launched in 2011, urging nations to restore 350 million hectares of degraded ecosystems by 2030 as part of a larger goal to achieve ‘land degradation neutrality’.According to the India Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas, 97.8 million ha of land, or nearly 29.8% of the country’s geographical area, are affected by land degradation and desertification. Around 82% of India’s degraded land falls in nine states/UT – Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.Releasing the country’s progress report, Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav said that India’s approach demonstrates that the convergence of policy commitment, scientific innovation and public participation can make environmental restoration an effective pathway towards sustainable development.India has been restoring its degraded land through afforestation, water resource management, sustainable farming practices, agroforestry, mangrove restoration and natural regeneration of formerly forested land.Yadav said the ‘Aravalli Green Wall’ initiative has emerged as an important landscape-level restoration programme and has surpassed its annual targets during the financial year 2025-26.The initiative aims to spread green cover in the 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli Hill Range in 29 districts of four states/UT, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat.The minister said India’s priorities include landscape-level restoration, drought resilience, science-based monitoring, community participation, nature-based solutions and innovative financing mechanisms for restoration.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’It’s A Rough…’: Trump Reacts To Indian Seafarers’ Deaths As PM Modi Raises ConcernsAfter BJP Exit, Annamalai Eyes New Political Party With Growing Membership Base’We Are Prepared’: Akhilesh Yadav Rejects Split Buzz, Accuses BJP of Engineering Defections | WatchRevolt-Hit TMC Asked to Vacate Kolkata Headquarters Amid Lease DisputeIndia Blocks Telegram Ahead Of NEET Re-Exam, But It Remains Operational On VPNAs NEET Re-Exam Nears, Two Young Aspirants Die By Suicide In Delhi And DehradunUS Map Shows PoJK As Pakistan’s Part, Drops ‘Indo’ From Pacific Command Name’Common In Marathi Language’: Sanjay Raut Defends Abusive Language Against Rebel MPs | Watch“Attack on Mandate”: BJP Slams Mamata Banerjee’s Court Plea Amid Electoral ControversyRJD Workers Take Guard Duty After Security Downgrade for Lalu Yadav and Rabri Yadav123PhotostoriesRupali Ganguly’s rise to fame: From a filmmaker’s daughter to Indian television’s leading ladyHow to recognize manipulation: 5 life skills parents must teach children6 fun, cute and unique souvenirs you must bring home from JapanYou may not notice these health problems after 40 until it’s too late: The essential tests every man needsTop 10 safest countries in the world in 2026; what travellers should know5 signs of narcissism – And 3 ways on how to deal with a narcissist, reveals pyschologist Dr Ramani DurvasulaPrincess Diana’s timeless beauty secrets that are still relevant today10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by spring flowers6 honest truths about marriage that a woman learns over timeInside Aly Goni and Jasmin Bhasin’s stunning 6 BHK home: Two walk-in closets, a massive living room, and more123Hot PicksLionel Messi WifeVaibhav SooryavanshiDehradun NEET Aspirant DieFIFA World Cup Free Live Streamingilia topuriaIND vs AFG ScorecardUGC NET admit cardNHL TradeTyson Fury vs Anthony JoshuaTop TrendingSairaj BahutaleFrance vs Senegal Live ScoreKarley SwindelFIFA World Cup 2026Jewar Noida International AirportHormuz BlockadeSpaceXCBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Eknath ShindeAustria vs Jordan Match Result

NEW DELHI: India has succeeded in bringing 21.7 million hectares of degraded land under restoration against its target of restoring 26 million hectares by 2030 as per its voluntary global commitment, shows the country’s second progress report on the Bonn Challenge released on the world day to combat desertification and drought on Wednesday.Among states, Telangana restored the maximum (4.2 million hectares) degraded area followed by Madhya Pradesh (3.8 million ha), Odisha (2.6 million ha), Gujarat (1.7 million ha) and Andhra Pradesh (1.6 million ha).The Bonn Challenge is a voluntary global restoration pledge launched in 2011, urging nations to restore 350 million hectares of degraded ecosystems by 2030 as part of a larger goal to achieve ‘land degradation neutrality’.According to the India Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas, 97.8 million ha of land, or nearly 29.8% of the country’s geographical area, are affected by land degradation and desertification. Around 82% of India’s degraded land falls in nine states/UT – Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.Releasing the country’s progress report, Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav said that India’s approach demonstrates that the convergence of policy commitment, scientific innovation and public participation can make environmental restoration an effective pathway towards sustainable development.India has been restoring its degraded land through afforestation, water resource management, sustainable farming practices, agroforestry, mangrove restoration and natural regeneration of formerly forested land.Yadav said the ‘Aravalli Green Wall’ initiative has emerged as an important landscape-level restoration programme and has surpassed its annual targets during the financial year 2025-26.The initiative aims to spread green cover in the 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli Hill Range in 29 districts of four states/UT, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat.The minister said India’s priorities include landscape-level restoration, drought resilience, science-based monitoring, community participation, nature-based solutions and innovative financing mechanisms for restoration.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’It’s A Rough…’: Trump Reacts To Indian Seafarers’ Deaths As PM Modi Raises ConcernsAfter BJP Exit, Annamalai Eyes New Political Party With Growing Membership Base’We Are Prepared’: Akhilesh Yadav Rejects Split Buzz, Accuses BJP of Engineering Defections | WatchRevolt-Hit TMC Asked to Vacate Kolkata Headquarters Amid Lease DisputeIndia Blocks Telegram Ahead Of NEET Re-Exam, But It Remains Operational On VPNAs NEET Re-Exam Nears, Two Young Aspirants Die By Suicide In Delhi And DehradunUS Map Shows PoJK As Pakistan’s Part, Drops ‘Indo’ From Pacific Command Name’Common In Marathi Language’: Sanjay Raut Defends Abusive Language Against Rebel MPs | Watch“Attack on Mandate”: BJP Slams Mamata Banerjee’s Court Plea Amid Electoral ControversyRJD Workers Take Guard Duty After Security Downgrade for Lalu Yadav and Rabri Yadav123PhotostoriesRupali Ganguly’s rise to fame: From a filmmaker’s daughter to Indian television’s leading ladyHow to recognize manipulation: 5 life skills parents must teach children6 fun, cute and unique souvenirs you must bring home from JapanYou may not notice these health problems after 40 until it’s too late: The essential tests every man needsTop 10 safest countries in the world in 2026; what travellers should know5 signs of narcissism – And 3 ways on how to deal with a narcissist, reveals pyschologist Dr Ramani DurvasulaPrincess Diana’s timeless beauty secrets that are still relevant today10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by spring flowers6 honest truths about marriage that a woman learns over timeInside Aly Goni and Jasmin Bhasin’s stunning 6 BHK home: Two walk-in closets, a massive living room, and more123Hot PicksLionel Messi WifeVaibhav SooryavanshiDehradun NEET Aspirant DieFIFA World Cup Free Live Streamingilia topuriaIND vs AFG ScorecardUGC NET admit cardNHL TradeTyson Fury vs Anthony JoshuaTop TrendingSairaj BahutaleFrance vs Senegal Live ScoreKarley SwindelFIFA World Cup 2026Jewar Noida International AirportHormuz BlockadeSpaceXCBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Eknath ShindeAustria vs Jordan Match Result

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NEW DELHI: Can the INDIA bloc keep its flock together in Jharkhand to thwart BJP-led NDA’s Rajya Sabha challenge in the state? Or will we see a re-run of Bihar and Odisha, where the BJP, helped by cross-voting, managed to spring a surprise by winning one extra seat each in both the states in March this year?Well, the stage is set for a keen contest of numbers on the floor of Jharkhand assembly tomorrow when the MLAs vote to select two Rajya Sabha members from the state. There are three candidates in the fray: JMM’s Baidyanath Ram, Congress’s Pranav Jha and BJP-backed Independent nominee Parimal Nathwani.The numbers gameA candidate is required to get a minimum of 28 first-preference votes to emerge victorious in the June 18 polls. 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He expressed confidence that Nathwani’s victory is “100 per cent certain”. “Several MLAs from the opposition camp will vote as per their conscience and in the larger national interest,” the state BJP chief claimed.The Congress, in a bid to prevent cross-voting, has appointed its state-in-charge K Raju as the party’s polling agent for tomorrow’s voting.Will BJP spring a surpise like it did in Bihar, Odisha?In March this year, the INDIA bloc suffered a shock defeat in Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar when the Mahagathbandhan candidate of the RJD failed to win due to cross-voting by one party MLA and 3 Congress MLAs. The four legislators did not turn up to vote. Had the four voted, the RJD candidate would have secured 41 votes against the required threshold of 40. But due to cross-voting he could poll only 37 and BJP ended up winning an extra seat.An almost identical story played out in Odisha. The BJP here gained a bonus seat after the BJD suffered a shock defeat due to cross voting. Eight BJD members and three Congress MLAs cross-voted to help BJP-backed Independent Dilip Ray win a Rajya Sabha seat defeating BJD and Congress’s joint candidate Datteswar Hota. The outcome was a blow to BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, who had led the BJD’s strategy to keep the legislature party united.Why it is difficult to prevent cross-voting in RS electionsVoting in elections for Rajya Sabha members is unique in the sense that it is not through a secret ballot. This change happened after an amendment in the Representation of the People Act in 2003. Ironically, this amendment was introduced to prevent cross-voting. However, the change failed to make an impact. As experienced in several RS elections, it is still difficult to prevent cross-voting as the political parties cannot issue directions or whips to their members to vote in a particular manner or not to vote. The legislators are supposed to show their vote to the party polling agent, but they cannot be prevented from voting against their party candidates. This makes it difficult to prevent cross-vote during the election. However, as Supreme Court lawyer and constitutional expert Gyanant Singh says “the parties have the option of taking action against the rebels under the anti-defection laws after the election is over.” “When a MLA votes against the party candidate he/she is openly taking a stand against the party line and hence becomes liable for anti-party action,” Gyanant Singh says.What will happen in Jharkhand tomorrow?So, the big question is will the INDIA bloc manage to hold its ranks in Jharkhand and prevent cross-voting in tomorrow’s election? Well, it will be very interesting to see how the ruling coalition in Jharkhand keeps its flock together. Chief minister Hemant Soren and the Congress would be closely watching not just their MLAs but also the four MLAs of the RJD. 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NEW DELHI: Can the INDIA bloc keep its flock together in Jharkhand to thwart BJP-led NDA’s Rajya Sabha challenge in the state? Or will we see a re-run of Bihar and Odisha, where the BJP, helped by cross-voting, managed to spring a surprise by winning one extra seat each in both the states in March this year?Well, the stage is set for a keen contest of numbers on the floor of Jharkhand assembly tomorrow when the MLAs vote to select two Rajya Sabha members from the state. There are three candidates in the fray: JMM’s Baidyanath Ram, Congress’s Pranav Jha and BJP-backed Independent nominee Parimal Nathwani.The numbers gameA candidate is required to get a minimum of 28 first-preference votes to emerge victorious in the June 18 polls. The BJP-led NDA has 24 MLAs in the Jharkhand assembly, while the INDIA bloc has 56 members, which includes 34 of Hemant Soren’s JMM and 16 of the Congress and four of the RJD.The ruling INDIA bloc has the exact number of votes needed to win two Rajya Sabha seats. But what should have been an easy election for the INDIA bloc has been turned into a keen contest with the BJP-led NDA deciding to enter the fray through an independent candidate despite not having enough numbers to win a seat on its own.The BJP has made the election interesting by backing independent candidate Parimal Nathwani. Nathwani has already served two terms in Rajya Sabha from Jharkhand. While the JMM’s Baidyanath Ram is expected to win easily, all eyes are on the second seat, in which there could be a tough fight between Congress’s Jha and NDA-backed Nathwani.Resort politics Both the ruling and the opposition camp are leaving no stone unturned to keep their MLAs intact ahead of tomorrow’s polling. The NDA MLAs were shifted to a hotel in Ranchi on Tuesday, while the ruling INDIA bloc is also keeping a close watch on its MLAs and had held meetings to prevent cross-voting.The NDA stepped up preparations to ensure unity among its MLAs and familiarise them with the voting process. MLAs of the alliance were briefed on the voting procedure on Wednesday and trained through a mock poll to minimise the possibility of any technical errors during voting.BJP state president Aditya Sahu, leader of opposition Babulal Marandi, and Parimal Nathwani, among others, were present during the exercise.Meanwhile, the ruling INDIA bloc MLAs, including those from the Congress, also participated in a mock poll during a meeting at chief minister Hemant Soren’s residence on Tuesday night to make the new legislators aware of the voting exercise.Both camps confidentThe INDIA bloc and the NDA are both confident of a win in tomorrow’s poll. “We all 56 MLAs of the INDIA bloc are united, and we will win both the Rajya Sabha seats,” Congress MLA Suresh Baitha said. However, the BJP chief whip in Jharkhand Naveen Jaiswal also claimed victory for their supported candidate. BJP state chief Sahu also asserted that all NDA MLAs are united and will extend full support to Parimal Nathwani. He expressed confidence that Nathwani’s victory is “100 per cent certain”. “Several MLAs from the opposition camp will vote as per their conscience and in the larger national interest,” the state BJP chief claimed.The Congress, in a bid to prevent cross-voting, has appointed its state-in-charge K Raju as the party’s polling agent for tomorrow’s voting.Will BJP spring a surpise like it did in Bihar, Odisha?In March this year, the INDIA bloc suffered a shock defeat in Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar when the Mahagathbandhan candidate of the RJD failed to win due to cross-voting by one party MLA and 3 Congress MLAs. The four legislators did not turn up to vote. Had the four voted, the RJD candidate would have secured 41 votes against the required threshold of 40. But due to cross-voting he could poll only 37 and BJP ended up winning an extra seat.An almost identical story played out in Odisha. The BJP here gained a bonus seat after the BJD suffered a shock defeat due to cross voting. Eight BJD members and three Congress MLAs cross-voted to help BJP-backed Independent Dilip Ray win a Rajya Sabha seat defeating BJD and Congress’s joint candidate Datteswar Hota. The outcome was a blow to BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, who had led the BJD’s strategy to keep the legislature party united.Why it is difficult to prevent cross-voting in RS electionsVoting in elections for Rajya Sabha members is unique in the sense that it is not through a secret ballot. This change happened after an amendment in the Representation of the People Act in 2003. Ironically, this amendment was introduced to prevent cross-voting. However, the change failed to make an impact. As experienced in several RS elections, it is still difficult to prevent cross-voting as the political parties cannot issue directions or whips to their members to vote in a particular manner or not to vote. The legislators are supposed to show their vote to the party polling agent, but they cannot be prevented from voting against their party candidates. This makes it difficult to prevent cross-vote during the election. However, as Supreme Court lawyer and constitutional expert Gyanant Singh says “the parties have the option of taking action against the rebels under the anti-defection laws after the election is over.” “When a MLA votes against the party candidate he/she is openly taking a stand against the party line and hence becomes liable for anti-party action,” Gyanant Singh says.What will happen in Jharkhand tomorrow?So, the big question is will the INDIA bloc manage to hold its ranks in Jharkhand and prevent cross-voting in tomorrow’s election? Well, it will be very interesting to see how the ruling coalition in Jharkhand keeps its flock together. Chief minister Hemant Soren and the Congress would be closely watching not just their MLAs but also the four MLAs of the RJD. Interestingly, Lalu Prasad’s party has 4 MLAs and the BJP-led NDA needs just 4 to upset the Congress nominee and ensure victory for their independent candidate. So, the NDA will keep its fingers crossed till the results are out tomorrow evening.Get the latest India news and live updates. 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