NDA Secures All Seven Rajya Sabha Seats from Assam Unopposed
In a significant political development, three candidates from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are poised to be elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Assam. This outcome was confirmed after no opposition nominees filed their nomination papers by the deadline on Thursday. The move effectively ensures that the NDA will occupy all seven Rajya Sabha seats representing Assam in the upper house of Parliament.
Candidates and Nominations
The three NDA candidates include two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and one from an ally party. Jogen Mohan and Terash Gowala, both BJP members, filed their nominations alongside Pramod Boro, the president of the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL). The nominations were submitted at the assembly in the presence of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. With no challengers in the fray, their election is now a mere formality, pending the scrutiny of their papers.
Background on the Vacant Seats
The three Rajya Sabha seats becoming available are currently held by Bhubaneswar Kalita and Rameswar Teli of the BJP, as well as opposition-backed independent member Ajit Kumar Bhuyan. Their terms are set to expire on April 9, creating the vacancies that the NDA candidates will fill. This transition marks a strategic consolidation of power for the alliance in Assam.
Profiles of the Candidates
Jogen Mohan is a cabinet minister in the Assam government, overseeing transport, hill area development, and indigenous faith portfolios. He represents the Mahmora constituency in the state assembly. Terash Gowala, the MLA from Duliajan, is widely recognized for his strong grassroots connections in upper Assam, which have bolstered his political standing.
On the other hand, Pramod Boro brings a distinct regional influence to the NDA. As a former chief executive member of the Bodoland Territorial Council and the current president of UPPL, he is a key ally in the alliance, enhancing its reach in Assam's diverse political landscape.
Opposition's Absence and Political Implications
Opposition parties, including the Congress and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), opted not to contest the Rajya Sabha elections. This decision stemmed from insufficient strength and a lack of coordination within the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly. Currently, the NDA holds six of the seven Rajya Sabha seats from Assam, with four from the BJP and one each from UPPL and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). The remaining seat is held by the opposition-backed independent, Ajit Kumar Bhuyan.
Broader Electoral Context
These biennial elections are part of a nationwide process to fill 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states, scheduled for March 16. The unopposed election in Assam underscores the NDA's dominant position in the state, as highlighted by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He congratulated the nominees, stating that their unopposed entry reflects the NDA's stronghold in Assam, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming assembly elections. This development signals a reinforced alliance strategy and could influence future political dynamics in the region.
