Congress wins seats in Jharkhand Rajya Sabha and Karnataka MLC elections amid cross‑voting

In the Jharkhand Rajya Sabha election held on June 18, 2026, the JMM‑backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani defeated Congress nominee Pranav Jha, receiving 28 votes to Jha's 20. The BJP‑led NDA fell short of the 28 first‑preference votes needed, with several ballots invalidated.

On the same day, Karnataka held its Legislative Council (MLC) election. The ruling Congress captured five of the seven seats, garnering 151 votes—16 more than its 135 MLAs—while the BJP secured only 56 votes, eight fewer than its 64 legislators, and JD(S) obtained 14 votes, seven below its expected tally. Party leaders attributed the discrepancy to cross‑voting by some opposition legislators, prompting calls for disciplinary action.