BJP secures Rajya Sabha seats in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh unopposed
Imphal/Itanagar, June 11 Bharatiya Janata Party candidates in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh were on Thursday declared elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from the two Northeastern states, further underlining the party's political dominance in the region.
The declarations were made after the deadline for withdrawal of nominations ended on Thursday afternoon.
In both BJP-ruled states, the party's nominees were the sole candidates in the fray for the lone Rajya Sabha seats, paving the way for their unopposed election to the Upper House of Parliament.
In Manipur, State BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi was formally declared elected unopposed by the Returning Officer-cum-Secretary of the Manipur Assembly.
State Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, along with several BJP legislators and party leaders, were present during the formal declaration of Sharda Devi's election.
No other candidate filed nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha election in the state.
In the 60-member Manipur Assembly, the BJP has 36 MLAs, followed by the National People's Party (NPP) with six members. The Naga People's Front (NPF) and the Congress have five legislators each, while the Kuki People's Alliance (KPA) has two members and the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) has one.
There are also three Independent MLAs in the Manipur Assembly.
Except for the Congress, all other parties are allies of the ruling BJP in Manipur.
The Rajya Sabha election in Manipur was necessitated as the tenure of sitting BJP Rajya Sabha member Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba is scheduled to end on June 21.
In Arunachal Pradesh, former State BJP President Tai Tagak was also declared elected unopposed on Thursday by Returning Officer-cum-Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretary Tadar Meena.
Tagak was the lone candidate in the contest for the Rajya Sabha seat, which fell vacant following the completion of the term of incumbent MP Nabam Rebia on June 23.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated Tai Tagak on his election to the Upper House.
In a Facebook post, Chief Minister Khandu described the development as "a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh" and said that Tagak would now represent the hopes, concerns and aspirations of the people of the state at the national level.
"Having served the state with dedication over the years, he now carries the responsibility of representing the hopes, concerns, and aspirations of our people at the national level. His vast experience in public life will undoubtedly strengthen Arunachal Pradesh's voice in Parliament," the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister said.
"My warm congratulations to him on this well-deserved achievement. May his tenure be marked by meaningful contributions towards the progress of our state and the nation," CM Khandu added.
Tagak has been associated with the BJP for several years and is widely credited with strengthening the party's organisational network across Arunachal Pradesh.
With the BJP enjoying an overwhelming majority in the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh Assembly, Tagak's election was virtually certain.
The BJP currently has 46 legislators in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly, while the People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) has six members. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has three MLAs, while the Congress and the National People's Party (NPP) have one legislator each. Three members of the Assembly are Independents.
The unopposed victories in both Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh further consolidate the BJP's representation in the Rajya Sabha and reflect the party's strong organisational and legislative position in the Northeastern region.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Uncontested elections mean no real opposition in these states. That's not democracy, it's a one-party show. We need stronger political alternatives in the Northeast.
Tai Tagak is a veteran worker who built the BJP from scratch in Arunachal. Glad to see his efforts recognized. Central government's focus on Northeast is finally showing results. 👏
As a student of political science, I find this worrying. Rajya Sabha is meant for representation of states and diversity. Unopposed elections reduce accountability. The opposition Congress and regional parties should have fielded candidates.
"Northeast ki awaaz Delhi tak pahunchne wali hai" - Tagak ji and Sharda ji both have grassroots experience. Hope they focus on border infrastructure, connectivity, and insurgency issues. The region deserves better roads and internet! 🚂
No opposition candidate filed papers - this shows the BJP machine is too strong. But in a democracy, even if you lose, you must contest. This sets a bad precedent for smaller states.
Impressive organizational strength by BJP
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