Who are the Two NDA Candidates Elected Unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Assam?
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Synopsis
In a recent political development, the BJP's <b>Kanad Purkayastha</b> and AGP's <b>Birendra Prasad Baishya</b> have been elected unopposed to the <b>Rajya Sabha</b> from <b>Assam</b>. This marks a significant step in strengthening the NDA's representation in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Kanad Purkayastha and Birendra Prasad Baishya elected unopposed.
- Significant for NDA's representation in Assam.
- First parliamentary term for Purkayastha.
- Baishya returns for a third term.
- Highlights the political landscape of the Barak Valley.
Guwahati, June 13 (NationPress) The BJP’s Kanad Purkayastha and Birendra Prasad Baishya, a seasoned leader from the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), have been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Assam, as confirmed by an election official on Friday.
With no opposition parties putting forward candidates, the two nominees from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) were declared elected on Thursday, which was the final day for filing nominations.
The Rajya Sabha elections were initially set for June 19.
This will be Kanad Purkayastha’s first stint in the parliament, as he currently holds the position of the BJP’s state secretary.
A resident of Silchar, he is the son of the late BJP leader and former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha.
Baishya, a senior figure in AGP and former Union minister, is making a return to the Upper House for a third term.
He has also served as a representative for Assam in the Lok Sabha.
The elections were necessitated due to the upcoming expiration of terms for Baishya and BJP’s Mission Ranjan Das on June 14.
There are seven seats total in the Rajya Sabha from Assam. The BJP occupies four, with its allies AGP and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) each holding one seat. An Independent member occupies the remaining slot.
Following the election of Sushmita Dev from West Bengal representing the Trinamool Congress, Purkayastha will become the second member from the Barak Valley region of Assam in the Rajya Sabha.
Hailing from Silchar, Dev is the daughter of the former Union Minister and late Congress leader Santosh Mohan Dev, and she was previously elected to the Lok Sabha from the Silchar constituency.
The Barak Valley is home to over four million residents, predominantly Bengali-speaking, spread across the three districts of Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi.
Political analysts have noted that despite the significant population and political importance of the Barak Valley, only Mission Ranjan Das, a former four-time MLA, was briefly sent to the Rajya Sabha on a BJP ticket.
The nomination of Purkayastha is seen as an effort to bridge this gap and is expected to enhance the BJP’s support among Bengali Hindus in the Barak Valley.
The Purkayastha family has been a prominent influence in Assam politics, with the legacy of veteran leader Kabindra Purkayastha and Kanad’s active involvement in the BJP contributing to their ongoing significance in the political landscape of Assam.
Point of View
The unopposed election of Kanad Purkayastha and Birendra Prasad Baishya to the Rajya Sabha reflects the strategic positioning of the NDA in Assam. The absence of opposing candidates highlights the current political climate, while also emphasizing the need for representation from the Barak Valley region. This development is significant for the BJP's ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the Bengali Hindu community.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the elected candidates from Assam?
The elected candidates are Kanad Purkayastha from BJP and Birendra Prasad Baishya from AGP.
What is the significance of this election?
This election is significant as it strengthens the NDA's representation in the Rajya Sabha and highlights the political dynamics of Assam.
How many Rajya Sabha seats does Assam have?
Assam has a total of seven seats in the Rajya Sabha.
What is the population of the Barak Valley?
The Barak Valley is home to over four million residents, mostly Bengali speaking.
What does this election mean for the BJP?
This election is an attempt to bolster the BJP’s support among Bengali Hindus in the Barak Valley.
