PATNA, Jan. 3 -- With five Rajya Sabha (RS) seats from Bihar falling vacant in April, the Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has emerged as a crucial player, courted by both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition Mahagathbandhan.

According to insiders, both alliance partners have started reaching out to the AIMIM leadership for the support of the party's five MLAs. For the NDA, support from AIMIM would help it win all five seats, while for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan, it would ensure that at least one candidate reaches the Upper House.

Five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar will become vacant on April 9, and elections for all these seats are likely to be announ...