BJP Nominates Ex-Minister Teli and MLA Das for Assam Rajya Sabha By-elections

The BJP has announced Mission Ranjan Das and former Union minister Rameswar Teli as its candidates for the Rajya Sabha by-elections in Assam. These by-polls became necessary after Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and BJP's Kamakhya Prasad Tasa vacated their seats upon being elected to the Lok Sabha.

Das, a four-time BJP MLA from Karimganj North, currently serves as the chairman of Assam State Transport Corporation. Teli, a significant figure from the tea-tribe community, was the Union MoS for Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Labour and Employment in Narendra Modi's second government. He was first elected to the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency in 2014 but was replaced by Sonowal in 2024.

Rajya Sabha Representation

Assam has seven seats in the Rajya Sabha. Six of these are held by the NDA, with four by the BJP and one each by its allies AGP and UPPL. The remaining seat is represented by an Independent MP. The state BJP had forwarded a list of 10 names to the party's Parliamentary Board for consideration for these two seats.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his support on X, stating, "I've had the privilege of working closely with Shri Mission Ranjan Das and Shri @Rameswar_Teli, both exemplary choices to represent Assam in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Their distinguished service to society and unwavering commitment to strengthening our organisation make them outstanding candidates. My gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and Adarniya Adhyaksh Shri @JPNadda ji for these excellent nominations."

Teli's prominence within the party stems from his background in the tea-tribe community and his previous ministerial roles. His experience includes serving as Union MoS for Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Labour and Employment. Das brings extensive political experience as a four-time MLA from Karimganj North.

The decision to nominate Das and Teli underscores their significant contributions to the party and their respective communities. Their selection aims to strengthen BJP's representation in Assam's Rajya Sabha seats.

The announcement highlights BJP's strategic choices for maintaining strong representation in Assam's legislative bodies. Both candidates have demonstrated dedication to public service and organisational commitment, making them suitable representatives for the state.

The Rajya Sabha by-elections in Assam will fill the vacancies left by Sonowal and Tasa, ensuring continued representation for the BJP in these crucial seats.