The political landscape surrounding the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in the Northeast has become largely clear, with BJP candidates in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh and the National People’s Party (NPP) nominee in Meghalaya heading towards unopposed victories. Mizoram remains the only state where a contest is likely to take place.
In Manipur, BJP nominee Adhikarimayum Sarda Devi filed her nomination papers for the lone Rajya Sabha seat at the Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat. As no other candidate submitted nomination papers before the deadline, her election is expected to be uncontested after the completion of statutory procedures. Following the filing of her nomination, Sarda Devi said that she would focus on issues related to women’s welfare and empowerment while also raising concerns regarding Manipur’s territorial integrity in Parliament. She said the plight of women affected by the ethnic violence in the state would remain one of her key priorities. The filing process was attended by Chief Minister Yumkham Khemchand Singh, BJP legislators, senior party leaders and representatives of allied parties. Sarda Devi, who became the first woman president of the BJP’s Manipur unit, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the party leadership for reposing faith in her.
In neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, BJP candidate Tai Tagak moved a step closer to the Upper House after his nomination papers were found valid during scrutiny. Returning Officer and Assembly Secretary Tadar Meena confirmed that both nomination papers filed by Tagak were in order. With no rival candidate in the race and the BJP enjoying a comfortable majority in the 60-member Assembly, his election is now considered a mere formality. The election has been necessitated by the completion of the term of sitting Rajya Sabha MP Nabam Rebia on June 23. Tagak, a veteran BJP leader from Kurung Kumey district, has been associated with the party since 1995 and previously served as state BJP president. Reflecting on his journey, he recalled working as a child labourer and daily wage worker during his early years before rising through the ranks of the party. He described his nomination as recognition of hard work, dedication and sacrifice and thanked the party leadership for the opportunity.
In Meghalaya, former legislator and National People’s Party candidate James Pangsang Kongkal Sangma is also set to enter the Rajya Sabha unopposed after no other candidate filed nominations before the deadline. Sangma submitted his nomination papers in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and leaders of alliance partners in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government. Speaking after filing his papers, he said he would work to ensure that Meghalaya’s voice is heard in Parliament and would strongly advocate for issues affecting the state. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the next Rajya Sabha member would play an important role in strengthening ties between the state and the Centre while pursuing matters such as the Inner Line Permit, the Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act, inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, Sixth Schedule issues and concerns relating to illegal immigration.
Mizoram is expected to witness the only contest among the Northeastern states. The opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) has nominated lawyer and writer Zothansangi Hmar for the lone Rajya Sabha seat, making her the first woman ever nominated by a Mizoram-based party for Parliament. She will take on ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) candidate K. Laltluangkima, who had filed his nomination earlier. Announcing her candidature, MNF leaders said the decision reflected the party’s commitment to encouraging greater participation of women and youth in public life. Zothansangi said she was honoured by the trust placed in her and pledged to work for women’s empowerment, youth employment, skill development, industrial growth and the protection of Mizoram’s interests. Political observers believe the ruling ZPM holds a clear advantage in the contest with 27 members in the 40-member Assembly, compared to the MNF’s 10 legislators.
The scrutiny of nomination papers is underway, while the deadline for withdrawal is June 11. Polling for the Rajya Sabha elections is scheduled for June 18, although in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, the candidates are expected to be declared elected unopposed once the formal process is completed.
