Itanagar, June 2: The nomination process for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election from Arunachal Pradesh commenced on June 1 following the issuance of the Election Commission’s notification, marking the formal start of the electoral process for the state’s lone Upper House seat.
As per the election schedule, June 8 has been fixed as the last date for filing nomination papers, while scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on June 9. Candidates wishing to withdraw from the contest may do so until June 11. Polling, if necessary, is scheduled for June 18, with counting of votes to be held on the same day.
The election is being conducted ahead of the completion of the term of sitting Rajya Sabha member Nabam Rebia, which is set to end on June 23.
The Election Commission has announced polls for 27 Rajya Sabha seats across the country, including 24 biennial vacancies spread across 10 states. In Arunachal Pradesh, political attention has largely centred on the ruling BJP, which is yet to finalise its nominee for the lone seat.
According to reports, as many as 14 aspirants have sought the party’s nomination. The list includes state Environment and Forest Minister Wangki Lowang, incumbent MP Nabam Rebia, Ninong Ering, former ministers Taba Tedir and Tage Taki, along with former state BJP president Tai Tagak and Tangor Tapak.
Party sources indicated that the BJP Parliamentary Board is expected to meet shortly to decide on its official candidate. The announcement is being closely watched as several senior leaders are competing for the prestigious parliamentary berth.
With the BJP commanding an overwhelming majority in the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the party’s nominee is widely expected to secure victory in the election, making the selection process within the party a key factor in determining the eventual occupant of the Rajya Sabha seat.
The contest has generated considerable interest in political circles across the state, with the final decision on the BJP candidate likely to shape the course of the election in the coming days.
