Guwahati: Guwahati has witnessed a swift and uncontested outcome for the two Rajya Sabha seats from Assam, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidates, Kanad Purkayastha of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Birendra Prasad Baishya of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), being declared elected unopposed. This development came to light following the close of nominations on Thursday, with no opposition parties fielding any candidates for the impending elections.
An official statement confirmed the unopposed election, highlighting the absence of any contenders against the two NDA nominees. The elections, initially slated for June 19, became a mere formality as the stipulated deadline for filing nominations passed without challenge.
For Kanad Purkayastha, this marks a significant milestone as he prepares to embark on his parliamentary journey as a debutant member of the Upper House. Hailing from Silchar, he carries a notable political lineage as the son of veteran BJP leader and former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha. Presently, Purkayastha holds the crucial position of state unit secretary within the BJP.
In contrast, Birendra Prasad Baishya’s election signifies a return to the Rajya Sabha for a third term, underscoring his seasoned political career. The veteran AGP leader, who has also served as a Union Minister, brings a wealth of experience, having previously held a seat in the Lok Sabha. His continued presence in the Upper House reaffirms his enduring influence within Assam’s political landscape.
The necessity for these elections arose from the culmination of terms for two incumbent Rajya Sabha members, namely Birendra Prasad Baishya himself and the BJP’s Ranjan Das, both of whom conclude their tenures on June 14. Assam holds seven seats in the Rajya Sabha in total, with the BJP currently occupying four, while its allies, the AGP and the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), each hold one. The remaining seat is presently represented by an independent Member of Parliament.
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