BJP nominee Adhikarimayum Sarda Devi today filed her nomination papers for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Manipur at the Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat, virtually clearing the path for an unopposed election.
Sarda Devi submitted three sets of nomination papers, each proposed by BJP legislators and supporters. With no other candidate filing nominations by the close of the nomination process on the final day, she is expected to be elected unopposed, subject to scrutiny of nomination papers.
After filing her nomination before the Returning Officer, Sarda Devi said she would use the opportunity to raise issues concerning women’s welfare, empowerment and Manipur’s territorial integrity in Parliament if elected to the Upper House.
She stated that the concerns of women affected by the ethnic violence in the state would remain among her priorities. Recalling her involvement in relief efforts, she said relief camps had been set up for women affected by the conflict and that she intended to advocate for women’s issues at the national level.
“As a woman, I will focus on development-related issues concerning women and work towards their empowerment,” she said.
Sarda Devi also said she would raise matters relating to the protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity and other issues affecting the people of the state. She expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP leadership for nominating her for the seat.
The nomination filing was attended by Chief Minister Yumkham Khemchand Singh, BJP legislators, senior party leaders and representatives of allied parties.
Sarda Devi, the first woman to serve as president of the BJP’s Manipur unit, has been fielded by the party for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from the state.
The scrutiny of nomination papers is scheduled for June 9, while candidates may withdraw their nominations until June 11. The Rajya Sabha election is scheduled for June 18. However, with no rival candidate in the fray, Sarda Devi is likely to be declared elected unopposed after completion of the statutory process.
