Is Birendra Prasad Baishya Renominated for the RS Poll in Assam?

Synopsis
The Asom Gana Parishad has officially renominated Birendra Prasad Baishya for the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for June 19. This decision has been celebrated by party leaders and reflects the party's commitment to strong representation in Assam.
Key Takeaways
- Birendra Prasad Baishya has been renominated for the Rajya Sabha elections.
- The elections are scheduled for June 19.
- The AGP is a key ally of the ruling BJP.
- Two Rajya Sabha seats will be vacated after the retirement of current members.
- The ruling coalition is expected to retain both seats.
Guwahati, June 8 (NationPress) The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a partner of Assam's ruling BJP, has officially renominated incumbent MP Birendra Prasad Baishya for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election scheduled for June 19, as confirmed by a party leader on Sunday.
The AGP's central committee has endorsed Baishya’s candidacy, as stated by party General Secretary Ponakon Baruah.
Atul Bora, the Agriculture and Horticulture Minister of Assam and AGP President, extended his congratulations to Baishya, a former Union Minister, for his renomination in the Rajya Sabha elections.
In a post on his X account, Bora expressed: "Heartfelt congratulations to Hon'ble Shri Kanad Purkayastha and Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya on being nominated as candidates supported by the NDA for the Rajya Sabha from Assam, representing the BJP and the AGP, respectively."
"I wish both of them great success as they embark on this significant journey. I am confident that, once elected, they will serve with dedication, integrity, and a strong commitment to the people of Assam and the nation," he added.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also congratulated Baishya.
"Best wishes to Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya on receiving the Rajya Sabha nomination from the Asom Gana Parishad for the upcoming RS elections. The NDA will greatly benefit from his extensive experience in legislative affairs," he stated on X.
On Saturday, the BJP announced its candidate as Kanad Purkayastha, the party's state secretary and son of veteran leader and former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha. He represents southern Assam’s Barak Valley, which includes three districts: Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi.
The ruling coalition is poised to secure both seats, given their clear majority in the 126-member Assembly.
Voting for two Rajya Sabha seats in Assam is set for June 19, with vote counting occurring the same day. The deadline for nominations is June 9, while candidates can withdraw until June 12.
The ruling BJP had previously declared its intention to nominate a candidate for one of the seats, allocating the other to its ally, AGP.
These two Rajya Sabha seats will become vacant following the retirement of Mishan Ranjan Das (BJP) and Birendra Prasad Baishya (AGP) on June 14. Assam currently holds seven Rajya Sabha seats. Following Sushmita Dev of the Trinamool Congress, who was elected to the Upper House from West Bengal, Purkayastha will be the second Rajya Sabha member from the Barak Valley.