The nationwide bandh called by the NDA and Left parties over the recent fuel price hike disrupted normal life across India on Monday, but with the exception of Maharashtra and Rajasthan, its impact was felt mostly in states ruled by the NDA and Left parties.

Political parties on Thursday staved off the scare of cross-voting in favour of Independents as their official candidates romped home comfortably in Rajya Sabha elections held across five states.

Eminent lawyer Ram Jethmalani, 87, managed to get elected to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan easily with 41 first preference votes despite a lot of speculation that he could face trouble from BJP MLAs said to be opposed to his candidature. Mr Jethmalani, who had been a minister in the NDA government and subsequently left the party, rejoined it only to jump into the electoral fray.