New Delhi, Dec. 30 -- The political race for the five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, which are set to see polls in April next year, has already begun. The five lawmakers completing their tenure include Prem Chand Gupta and AD Singh from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Harivansh and Ram Nath Thakur from the Janata Dal (United), and Upendra Kushwaha from the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM).

A candidate will require the backing of at least 41 lawmakers to secure a Rajya Sabha seat from Bihar. The National Democratic Alliance - with a combined strength of 202 lawmakers - can comfortably secure four seats. For the fifth one, the NDA will need the support of three lawmakers from the opposition camp.

Among the most discussed names is Nitin Nabin, the ...