With the Election Commission of India announcing the schedule for the Rajya Sabha election, political discussions have intensified in Manipur over who will be nominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from the state.
The term of sitting Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba is set to expire on June 21, 2026, and uncertainty continues over whether the BJP will renominate him for a second term.
Although the state BJP leadership has so far remained silent on the matter, party insiders said discussions among karyakartas and political circles have already begun regarding possible candidates for the upcoming election. Sources within the party indicated that the name of Manipur BJP President A. Sarda Devi is frequently being discussed as a potential nominee for the Rajya Sabha seat.
The Election Commission announced that the notification for the Rajya Sabha elections will be issued on June 1, 2026. The last date for filing nominations has been fixed for June 8, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on June 9. Candidates may withdraw their nominations until June 11.
Polling, if necessary, will be held on June 18 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and counting of votes will begin at 5:00 pm on the same day. The election process is scheduled to be completed before June 20.
According to the Commission, the Rajya Sabha elections are being conducted to fill 24 seats from 10 states whose members are retiring during June and July 2026. Manipur is among the states going to the polls this month.
The Commission has also directed that only integrated violet-colour sketch pens supplied by the Returning Officer will be used for marking preferences on ballot papers. Adequate monitoring measures, including the appointment of observers, will be put in place to ensure free and fair elections.