In a strategic political development that underscores the growing strength of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Assam, Kanad Purkayastha of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Birendra Prasad Baishya of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) have been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Assam. This outcome further cements the NDA's representation from the state in the upper house of Parliament.

The announcement was made on Friday, June 13, 2025, by election officials after the last date for filing nominations passed without any opposition candidates stepping forward. As a result, the scheduled polling for June 19 has been rendered unnecessary.

Opposition’s No-Show Paves Way for NDA Sweep

According to the Election Commission's notification, no candidates from the opposition submitted nomination papers by the deadline on Thursday. Consequently, the returning officer declared both NDA candidates elected unopposed. This strategic absence of opposition candidates highlights either a calculated withdrawal or a lack of preparation among non-NDA political parties in Assam, allowing the ruling alliance to gain both seats uncontested.

The victory boosts the NDA’s morale and showcases its organizational control and coalition strength in the northeastern state, especially ahead of future political contests in the region.

Kanad Purkayastha Enters Rajya Sabha for the First Time

Kanad Purkayastha, making his debut entry into the Rajya Sabha, brings with him a strong political lineage and organizational experience. He is the son of Kabindra Purkayastha, a veteran BJP leader and former Union Minister from Assam, known for his significant contributions to the BJP’s growth in the state.

Currently, Kanad serves as the state secretary for BJP Assam, and his nomination reflects the party’s emphasis on grooming second-generation leaders from established political families who also possess administrative and grassroots credentials.

Coming from Silchar in the Barak Valley, a region with distinct linguistic and political characteristics, his entry into Parliament is also expected to strengthen BJP’s influence in southern Assam.

Birendra Prasad Baishya’s Third Term Reflects AGP’s Continued Relevance

Veteran leader Birendra Prasad Baishya returns to the Rajya Sabha for the third time, reflecting the Asom Gana Parishad’s (AGP) continued relevance in Assam politics despite being a regional party. Baishya, a former Union Minister and past Lok Sabha member, remains one of AGP’s most seasoned and respected faces.

Baishya’s political experience and parliamentary skills have often been valued in the upper house, and his re-nomination represents AGP’s ability to retain key positions within the NDA framework. This re-election is also seen as a balancing act by the BJP to maintain alliance harmony with regional allies in Assam.

NDA’s Strength in Assam’s Rajya Sabha Landscape

Assam sends seven members to the Rajya Sabha, and with this unopposed win, the NDA now holds six of those seven seats. The breakdown of representation is as follows:

• BJP: 4 seats (including Kanad Purkayastha)

• AGP: 1 seat (Birendra Prasad Baishya)

• UPPL (United People’s Party Liberal): 1 seat

• Independent: 1 seat

The terms of the previous Rajya Sabha members—Baishya and BJP’s Ranjan Das—end on June 14, necessitating these elections. The uncontested nature of the polls is also viewed as a testament to the opposition's current lack of coordination or influence in the state legislature, which indirectly elects Rajya Sabha members.

Political Implications Beyond Assam

This development carries broader political implications. Firstly, it strengthens the NDA's numeric edge in the Rajya Sabha, where every seat counts amid legislative challenges and bill passages. Secondly, it reveals the political consolidation of the NDA in northeastern India, a region that has seen a marked political shift toward the BJP and its allies over the past decade.

The Congress party, which once dominated Assam’s political landscape, chose not to field candidates, possibly due to the mathematical disadvantage in the state assembly, which is key to winning Rajya Sabha elections. The move may also reflect a strategic retreat to conserve political capital for future battles.

NDA’s Dominance in Assam Continues

The BJP-led NDA has maintained a firm grip over Assam’s political scene, both electorally and legislatively. With Himanta Biswa Sarma at the helm as Chief Minister, the alliance enjoys a comfortable majority in the Assam Legislative Assembly. The Rajya Sabha victory is a natural extension of that dominance.

The elevation of Kanad Purkayastha, meanwhile, is being viewed by analysts as a signal of generational shift within the Assam BJP, blending experience with youth and continuity with renewal.

Strategic Silence of the Opposition

The opposition’s failure to contest the Rajya Sabha seats has raised eyebrows and prompted internal discussions within parties like the Congress, AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front), and Raijor Dal. Critics argue that ceding ground without a fight sends the wrong message to party workers and voters, especially at a time when the BJP-NDA is ramping up its election preparations nationwide.

Some political observers believe the move was driven by electoral arithmetic—the opposition simply lacked the numbers to mount a credible challenge. Yet others view it as a missed opportunity to make a political statement, even in defeat.

Looking Ahead

As the political dust settles on this round of Rajya Sabha elections, the focus now shifts to the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, where the NDA’s strengthened position could come into play. Legislation related to northeast development, border security, language policy, and economic growth may witness increased debate and participation from the newly elected members.

With Kanad Purkayastha entering the Rajya Sabha for the first time and Birendra Prasad Baishya returning for another term, Assam's representation in the Upper House now reflects a strategic blend of youth and experience, signaling the NDA’s readiness to shape national narratives through regional leadership.

In summary, the unopposed election of NDA candidates to both Rajya Sabha seats from Assam marks a significant political consolidation for the ruling alliance and raises serious introspective questions for the opposition, whose silence in this contest may have long-term consequences for their political presence in the state.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are HDB Financials, ArisInfra Solutions, Influx Healthtech, Mayasheel Ventures, Eppeltone Engineers, Patil Automation, Samay Projects Services.

The Current active IPO are Oswal Pumps, Aten Papers, Monolithisch India.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.