BJP nominates Sharda Devi for RS seat

OSR and agency
IMPHAL, Jun 4  : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated BJP Manipur president, A Sharda Devi as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election. The decision was approved by the BJP Central Election Committee and announced by the party's Central leadership today.
The BJP has the numbers to win the lone seat in Manipur. A veteran BJP leader, Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi is among the most prominent women leaders in BJP. Her nomination reflects the party's recognition of her long-standing contribution to strengthening the BJP organization at both the State and National levels, according to a BJP leader.
Speaking to the media, Sharda Devi said she would work to the best of her ability to serve the people in line with their aspirations.
She said her nomination by the Central leadership for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Manipur carries greater responsibility, adding that she would work in accordance with the sentiments of the people.
Sharda reiterated her commitment to restoring normalcy in Manipur, rehabilitating displaced persons, and bringing prosperity to the State.
Born on January 1, 1967, Sharda Devi graduated in Home Science from Manipur University before entering active politics. She formally joined the BJP in June 1995 and successfully contested the Imphal Municipal Council election from Ward No. 7. Since then, she has held numerous key responsibilities within the party.
Sharda Devi previously served as National Secretary of the BJP Mahila Morcha for two consecutive terms from 1997 to 2000. She was elevated as Vice-President of the BJP Mahila Morcha in 2010 and again in 2014, and also served as a member of its National Executive Committee. At the State level, she was a member of the BJP Manipur Pradesh Core Committee on five occasions between 1998 and 2016 and served on the party's ticket committee for three terms.
Her organizational credentials extend across the North East region, where she served as in charge of various membership and organizational campaigns of the BJP and BJP Mahila Morcha. She was also entrusted with election responsibilities in Mizoram and played an active role in expanding the party's presence in the region.
Sharda Devi has held several positions in the BJP Manipur Pradesh unit, including President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (2000–2003), State Secretary (Administration), Secretary, Treasurer, and Spokesperson. She later rose to become President of BJP Manipur Pradesh, succeeding the late Prof S Tikendra Singh.
Apart from party assignments, she served as a member of the National Handloom Board under the Ministry of Textiles and the Women and Child Board under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Before entering full-time politics, she worked as a teacher and lecturer in educational institutions across Manipur.
An entrepreneur and social worker, Sharda Devi established the Mohori Wool Knitting Centre in Imphal, where she provided free vocational training in wool knitting to more than 150 women and girls. She also founded the Society for Advocacy on Rapid Development and Advancement and has been actively involved in women's empowerment, child welfare, and community development initiatives.
The election process for filling one seat in the Rajya Sabha from Manipur has officially commenced following the issuance of a notification by the Returning Officer for the Biennial Election to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), Manipur. The election is being conducted to fill the vacancy arising from the retirement of a sitting member on June 21, 2026.
The last date for submission of nomination paper is June 8, 2026. The scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on June 9, while candidates wishing to withdraw their nominations may do so before 3 p.m. on June 11.
In the event of a contest, polling will take place on June 18 from 9 am to 4 pm. The elected members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly will cast their votes to elect the State's representative to the Rajya Sabha.
In Manipur, the lone Rajya Sabha seat is currently held by Leishemba Sanajaoba, who was elected in 2020 as the BJP-backed candidate after defeating Congress nominee T Mangibabu. The effective strength of the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly presently stands at 58 following the deaths of BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte and NPP MLA N Kayisii.
As per the latest political position in the Assembly, the BJP now has 36 MLAs. The party continues to receive support from the Naga People’s Front (NPF), which has five MLAs, and one JD(U) MLA. Three Independent legislators are also extending support.
The National People’s Party (NPP), which presently has five MLAs after the death of Kayisii, had withdrawn support from the previous N Biren Singh-led Government in November 2024 over the handling of the ethnic violence. However, following the imposition of President’s Rule and later formation of the new BJP-led Government under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in February 2026, the NPP again extended support to the present dispensation.
On the other hand, the Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA), which has two MLAs, had officially withdrawn support from the BJP-led Government in August 2023 . The Congress presently has five MLAs in the House and remains the principal Opposition party.
UNI