Three NDA candidates are elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from the Northeast

National People’s Party (NPP) James Pangsang Kongkal Sangma has filed nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections from Meghalaya. Credit: X/@JamesSangma1

Three NDA candidates were elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from as many states in the Northeast on Thursday (June 11, 2026).

They are Tai Tagak and Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur and James Pangsang Kongkal Sangma from Meghalaya of the National People’s Party (NPP). Each of these states has one Rajya Sabha seat.

One of the senior-most members of the BJP in Arunachal Pradesh, 54-year-old Mr. Tagak will replace incumbent Nabam Rebia, whose term ends on June 23.

Mr. Tagak joined the BJP in 1995 and was a unit organizer for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh from 1989. He was also the BJP state president from 2013 to 2015.

A proud moment for Arunachal

Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu said Mr. Tagak’s victory was a proud moment for the state.

“Having served the state with dedication over the years, he now bears the responsibility of representing the hopes, concerns and aspirations of our people at the national level. His extensive experience in public life will undoubtedly strengthen Arunachal’s voice in Parliament,” the Chief Minister said.

Ms. Devi, 59, is among the senior-most BJP members in Manipur and will head the party’s state unit from June 2021. The former teacher will replace incumbent Maharaja Sanajaob Leishemba, whose term in the Rajya Sabha ends on June 21.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh congratulated Ms. Devi and said her extensive administrative and political experience would be a valuable asset in women empowerment, inclusive development and good governance in the spirit of Antyodaya envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The former minister, Mr. James Sangma, is the elder brother of JE National President and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma. The BJP is JE’s minor partner in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government

The Chief Minister congratulated his brother, the consensus candidate for the ruling alliance. “The unanimous decision reflects our firm belief in his ability to be the voice of Meghalaya,” he said.

In Mizoram, K. Laltluangkima of the ruling Zoram People’s Movement will be pitted against lawyer and writer Zothansangi Hmar of the Mizo National Front. The election will be held on June 18.

Published – 11 Jun 2026 22:57 IST