BJP names two from eastern Assam for RS polls ahead of March 16

The BJP in Assam named Culture Minister Jogen Mohan and MLA Terash Gowala as its candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections on March 16. Three Rajya Sabha seats from Assam are vacant after Bhubaneswar Kalita and Rameswar Teli of the BJP, along with independent Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, retire in April.

Mohan, an Ahom, and Gowala, from the Adivasi or 'Tea Tribes' community, are both from eastern Assam — a region that forms a large bulk of voters and where the BJP has concentrated its campaign. The nomination is significant because both communities have long been demanding Scheduled Tribe status, a factor that could influence voting patterns in the run-up to the polls.

The BJP president, Nitin Nabin, signaled that Mohan and Gowala bring grassroots experience and public-service track records. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated the nominees in Golaghat and said they would file their nominations on March 5. He noted that the duo’s background and local ties could help enrich parliamentary processes.

The party has offered the third seat to its ally, the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL). UPPL has indicated it may contest but has not yet finalized its candidate. If Pramod Boro or another UPPL figure files a nomination, the BJP said it would not oppose. The nomination comes as Assam prepares for a busy political season ahead of the assembly poll schedule and national elections.

Mohan and Gowala’s candidacies underscore the BJP’s strategy of rewarding performers with ticket opportunities, particularly in regions where it hopes to widen its influence against a growing opposition.

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