Former Manipur BJP president A. Sharda Devi has been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Manipur after no other candidate remained in the contest following the withdrawal of nomination papers on June 11.

The Returning Officer-cum-Secretary of the Manipur Legislative Assembly officially declared Sharda Devi elected to the lone Rajya Sabha seat from the state after the deadline for withdrawal of nominations expired.

Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam and other BJP legislators were present during the declaration.

The Rajya Sabha election was necessitated by the completion of the tenure of the incumbent BJP Rajya Sabha member, Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, whose term is set to end on June 21.

In the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly, the BJP holds 36 seats, while the National People’s Party (NPP) has six MLAs. The Naga People’s Front (NPF) and Congress have five legislators each, the Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) has two members, and the Janata Dal (United) has one MLA, besides independent legislators.

Speaking to the media at the Manipur BJP office in Imphal after her election, Sharda Devi said that she would focus on development-related issues concerning women and work towards strengthening women’s empowerment.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh congratulated Sharda Devi through a post on X, stating that her vast administrative and political experience would contribute significantly to women’s empowerment, inclusive development, and good governance in the state.

The Manipur BJP also extended its congratulations, describing her election as recognition of her dedication and years of service to both the party and the people of Manipur.