BJP Nominates Ahom and Adivasi Leaders for Assam's Rajya Sabha Elections The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam announced on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) that Culture Minister Jogen Mohan and MLA Terash Gowala would represent the party in the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16. The nominations mark a strategic move in a state where the BJP is vying for dominance amid growing competition from opposition forces. Both candidates belong to marginalized communities, with Mohan identified as an Ahom and Gowala as an Adivasi or “Tea Tribes” leader, highlighting the party’s focus on securing support from these groups. Three Rajya Sabha seats from Assam are set to become vacant after the retirement of Bhubaneswar Kalita, Rameswar Teli, and independent Ajit Kumar Bhuyan in April. The BJP’s selection of Mohan and Gowala is seen as a significant step in the lead-up to the polls, particularly given their representation of communities that form a substantial portion of the electorate in eastern Assam. This region, which has historically been a stronghold for the BJP, is now facing intensified challenges from a coalition of opposition parties. The Ahom and Adivasi communities are key voter bases in eastern Assam, where the BJP secured a majority of its seats in the 2016 and 2021 state elections. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the importance of these candidates, noting their grassroots connections and proven record of public service. He praised the BJP’s decision to nominate them, stating that their inclusion would strengthen the party’s parliamentary efforts. Sarma also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Nitin Nabin for the “exceptional nominations,” while confirming that the duo would file their nominations on March 5.#bjp #himanta_biswa_sarma #jogen_mohan #terash_gowala #narendra_moddi
