Former Manipur BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Manipur on Thursday after no other candidate remained in the contest following the withdrawal of nomination papers. The Returning Officer-cum-Secretary of the Manipur Legislative Assembly officially declared Sharda Devi elected to the lone Rajya Sabha seat from the state after the deadline for withdrawal of nominations ended on June 11. The election was necessitated as the term of sitting Rajya Sabha member Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba of the Bharatiya Janata Party is scheduled to end on June 21. With no rival candidate in the fray, Sharda Devi secured election to the Upper House without a contest. Several BJP leaders and legislators, including Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, were present during the official declaration of her election.
Sharda Devi is a senior BJP leader and has previously served as the president of the party’s Manipur unit. Her election is being seen as a significant political development for the ruling party in the state, which currently enjoys a majority in the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly.The BJP holds 36 seats in the Assembly, while its allies and other parties account for the remaining seats. The National People’s Party has six MLAs, while both the Naga People’s Front and the Congress have five legislators each. The Kuki People’s Alliance has two members and the Janata Dal (United) has one MLA, apart from independent legislators. Speaking to reporters at the BJP office in Imphal after being declared elected, Sharda Devi said that issues related to women’s development and empowerment would remain among her key priorities in Parliament. “As a woman myself, my priorities would be development-related issues concerning women and strengthening their empowerment,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the party leadership and legislators for their support and said she would work towards addressing important concerns of the people of Manipur. Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand congratulated Sharda Devi on her election through a post on X. He said her experience in public life and administration would contribute to women’s empowerment, inclusive development and good governance. The Manipur BJP also welcomed her election, stating that her nomination and subsequent victory reflected recognition of her long-standing dedication and service to the party as well as the people of the state. With her election, Sharda Devi will represent Manipur in the Rajya Sabha at a time when the state continues to face several political, developmental and social challenges. Party leaders expressed confidence that her experience and understanding of state issues would help raise Manipur’s concerns effectively in Parliament.
