Approaching his 70th birthday in June, Harivansh first joined the Rajya Sabha in April 2014. Following two full terms, the prominent Janata Dal (United) member has received a nomination from President Droupadi Murmu for another six years in the Upper House. This decision puts to rest rumors that Harivansh might step aside to allow JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar to claim one of the four seats held by the important National Democratic Alliance partner. Kumar is expected to be sworn in shortly and will then resign from his position as chief minister of Bihar. In the 245-seat Rajya Sabha, the NDA commands 141 positions, comprising 105 from the BJP, five from the AIADMK, four from the Nationalist Congress Party, four from the JD(U), and additional allies.
