Ranchi, June 8 : Industrialist Parimal Nathwani has entered the fray in the biennial elections to two Rajya Sabha seats from Jharkhand.

Nathwani, though contesting as an Independent candidate, is backed by NDA MLAs.

Ahead of filing his nomination on Monday, Nathwani met BJP legislators and those from allied parties. He visited the residence of BJP MLA Navin Jaiswal in Ranchi, where discussions were held with NDA leaders on election strategy and support.

Speaking to the media, Nathwani avoided commenting on numbers but expressed confidence of victory.

â??I am an old Jharkhandi and people here have seen my work. I am confident of winning the election and getting another opportunity to serve the state,â?? he said.

Nathwani has earlier served two terms as a Rajya Sabha member from Jharkhand. He said he had undertaken several development works during his previous tenure and hoped legislators would support him based on his track record.

Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, said the party had decided to support Nathwani after assessing the situation. He noted that the BJP did not have adequate numbers to secure a Rajya Sabha seat on its own, and backing Nathwani was part of a broader strategy.

Marandi described him as a "tested" candidate who has represented Jharkhand before in the Upper House.

Meanwhile, leaders of the ruling alliance criticised the BJPâ??s move. JMM leader and state minister Sudivya Kumar alleged that the BJP was trying to indulge in horse-trading of MLAs through the Rajya Sabha elections. Congress in charge of Jharkhand, K. Raju, also made similar allegations, saying the BJP was attempting to influence the democratic process.

Monday is the last day for filing nominations for the two Rajya Sabha seats from Jharkhand. The Congress has fielded Pranav Jha, while the JMM has nominated Baijnath Ram as its candidate.

Now with a third candidate in the fray, the battle for the Rajya Sabha has become interesting.

/IANS