BJP files Rajya Sabha nominations in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh for June 18 polls
Synopsis
BJP has filed nominations for both Rajya Sabha seats up for grabs in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh ahead of the 18 June polls. With no opposition challenge in sight and commanding legislative majorities in both states, the party is set to retain both Upper House seats — a quiet but significant consolidation of its grip on the Northeast.
Key Takeaways
BJP candidates filed Rajya Sabha nominations in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh on 8 June for elections on 18 June .
Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi , state BJP President, is the candidate for Manipur's sole Rajya Sabha seat; no opposition has filed papers.
Tai Tagak , former state BJP President, filed for Arunachal Pradesh's lone Rajya Sabha seat, accompanied by CM Pema Khandu .
The Manipur election was triggered by the expiry of Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba's term on 21 June ; in Arunachal Pradesh, Nabam Rebia's term ends 23 June .
BJP holds 36 of 60 seats in the Manipur Assembly and an overwhelming majority in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly, making both wins near-certain.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh filed their nomination papers on Monday, 8 June for the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled on 18 June, seeking to retain both Upper House seats from the two Northeastern states. The filings come ahead of the expiry of sitting members' terms later this month.
Manipur: Sharda Devi Eyes Rajya Sabha Seat
In Imphal, Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, the state BJP President, submitted her nomination papers at the Manipur Assembly Secretariat for the state's sole Rajya Sabha seat. The filing took place in the presence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, BJP observer and Assam MLA Rajdeep Roy, state Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, and several party legislators.
Speaking to reporters after filing her papers, Sharda Devi outlined her priorities if elected. 'If elected to the Upper House of Parliament, my foremost priorities would be the restoration of lasting peace in Manipur and the rehabilitation and resettlement of people displaced by the ethnic violence that has affected the state,' she said.
No opposition candidate had filed nomination papers as of Monday. The election has been necessitated by the scheduled end of the term of sitting BJP member Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba on 21 June.
Assembly Numbers Favour BJP in Manipur
In the 60-member Manipur Assembly, the BJP holds 36 seats, giving it a commanding majority. The National People's Party has six members, while the Naga People's Front and the Indian National Congress (Congress) have five MLAs each. The Kuki People's Alliance has two members, the Janata Dal-United one, and there are three Independent legislators. All parties except the Congress are allies of the ruling BJP, making Sharda Devi's election virtually certain.
Arunachal Pradesh: Tai Tagak Files in Itanagar
In Itanagar, former state BJP President Tai Tagak filed his nomination for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Arunachal Pradesh before Returning Officer Tadar Meena at the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretariat. He was accompanied by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Home Minister Mama Natung, and BJP observer and Assam Minister Ashok Singhal.
Tagak, who is widely credited with strengthening the party's organisational base across the state, is expected to win comfortably. The election was necessitated by the conclusion of incumbent MP Nabam Rebia's tenure on 23 June. With the ruling BJP commanding an overwhelming majority in the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh Assembly, the outcome is largely considered a formality.
What Happens Next
Both elections are scheduled for 18 June. With no opposition nominations filed in Manipur as of Monday and the BJP's legislative dominance in both states, the party is on course to retain both seats without a contest. The new members will take charge before the sitting members' terms expire on 21 June and 23 June respectively.
Point of View
Now well into its second year, remains a live political liability that the party needs its own Upper House voice to manage. The absence of any opposition nomination in Manipur, despite the Congress holding five Assembly seats, suggests the arithmetic has made resistance futile — but also that the opposition has effectively ceded the Upper House agenda in the region.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the BJP candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh?
In Manipur, state BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi is the candidate for the sole Rajya Sabha seat. In Arunachal Pradesh, former state BJP President Tai Tagak has filed for the lone seat. Both filed their nominations on 8 June.
When is the Rajya Sabha election in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh?
The Rajya Sabha elections in both states are scheduled for 18 June. The seats fell vacant as the terms of sitting members Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba (Manipur) and Nabam Rebia (Arunachal Pradesh) end on 21 June and 23 June respectively.
Why is the BJP expected to win both Rajya Sabha seats?
The BJP holds 36 of 60 seats in the Manipur Assembly and commands an overwhelming majority in the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh Assembly. In Manipur, no opposition candidate had filed a nomination as of Monday, making the BJP's win virtually certain in both states.
What are Sharda Devi's stated priorities if elected to the Rajya Sabha?
Sharda Devi said her foremost priorities would be the restoration of lasting peace in Manipur and the rehabilitation and resettlement of people displaced by the ethnic violence that has affected the state.
Who are the sitting Rajya Sabha members being replaced in these elections?
In Manipur, Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba's term as the BJP's Rajya Sabha member is set to end on 21 June. In Arunachal Pradesh, incumbent MP Nabam Rebia's tenure concludes on 23 June, necessitating both elections.
