Guwahati, March 6: The political landscape heated up on Thursday as the nomination process for the biennial Rajya Sabha elections culminated, with candidates throwing their hats into the ring for 37 crucial seats across 10 states. In a major development from Assam, the three candidates from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) formally submitted their papers, setting the stage for what Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma predicts will be a smooth sail to the Upper House.
The last date for filing nominations was Thursday. In Guwahati, the nominees appeared before the Election Commission’s returning officer at the Assam Legislative Assembly, accompanied by significant political heavyweights.
NDA’s Strategy in Assam: One Seat Each for Allies?
For the three Rajya Sabha seats up for grabs in Assam, the NDA has fielded a diverse lineup. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated two sitting MLAs and ministers: Jogen Mohan from the Mahmora constituency and Terash Gowala from Duliajan. The third seat has been allocated to alliance partner United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) , represented by its chief, Pramod Boro.
The nominations were filed in the presence of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, showcasing the coalition’s unity.
Speaking after filing his nomination, Jogen Mohan expressed his gratitude and outlined his vision. “We three submitted our nominations today, and the scrutiny will take place tomorrow at 11 am. Over the past 10 years, I have worked in my constituency and, because of that work, I got the opportunity to come to the Assembly and now to the Rajya Sabha. My responsibility has now doubled to work for the state,” said Mohan, who currently holds key portfolios including Transport and Hill Area Development.
“Expecting Uncontested Victory”: Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while unable to attend the filing due to his ongoing ‘Jana Aaashirbad Yatra’ in Dhemaji, expressed confidence in a clean sweep. “I believe three of the seats would be won uncontested,” Sarma told the press, signaling that the numbers in the state assembly are heavily stacked in favor of the ruling coalition.
The election is being held to fill vacancies that will arise on April 9, following the retirement of sitting members Bhubaneswar Kalita (BJP), Rameswar Teli (BJP), and opposition-backed Independent Ajit Kumar Bhuyan.
Terash Gowala’s Eco-Friendly Gesture; Boro Seeks Cross-Party Support
In a unique display of simplicity, Terash Gowala arrived at the Assembly premises on a bicycle to file his nomination. “Accepting my party’s decision, I am filing my nomination for the Rajya Sabha. Preparations for the upcoming election in Duliajan are also in full swing. As per my party’s direction, Assam will remain my top priority,” Gowala stated.
Meanwhile, Pramod Boro, the UPPL chief, expressed hope for a broad consensus. “I have filed my nomination for the third seat and hope to receive support from leaders of several parties when the election is held,” Boro said, appealing for support beyond the NDA fold to ensure a unanimous election.
Rajya Sabha Election Schedule 2026: Key Dates to Remember
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has laid out a strict timeline for the electoral process. Candidates and voters should note the following critical dates:
- Scrutiny of Nominations: March 6, 2025 (Today)
- Last Date for Withdrawal: March 9, 2025
- Date of Polling: March 16, 2025 (9 AM to 4 PM)
- Counting of Votes: March 16, 2025 (5 PM onwards)
The biennial polls are being conducted to fill 37 vacancies from 10 states, as the terms of incumbent members conclude in April 2026. With the nomination phase now complete, all eyes will be on the scrutiny process today, which will determine the final list of contenders for the Upper House.
