National People’s Party’s (NPP) James Pangsang Kongkal Sangma had filed his 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 the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Tai Tagak and Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, and the National People’s Party’s (NPP) James Pangsang Kongkal Sangma from Meghalaya. Each of these States has one Rajya Sabha seat.
One of the oldest members of the BJP in Arunachal Pradesh, the 54-year-old Mr. Tagak will succeed incumbent Nabam Rebia, whose tenure will end on June 23.
Mr. Tagak joined the BJP in 1995 and was the unit organiser for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since 1989. He was also the State president of the BJP from 2013 to 2015.
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 carries the responsibility of representing the hopes, concerns, and aspirations of our people at the national level. His vast experience in public life will undoubtedly strengthen Arunachal’s voice in Parliament,” the Chief Minister said.
Ms. Devi, 59, is among the oldest members of the BJP in Manipur and has been shepherding the party’s State unit since June 2021. A former teacher, she will succeed incumbent Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, whose term in the Rajya Sabha ends on June 21.
Congratulating Ms. Devi, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said her vast administrative and political experience would be a valuable asset in advancing women’s empowerment, inclusive development, and good governance in the spirit of Antyodaya envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A former minister, Mr. James Sangma is the elder brother of NPP national president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. The BJP is a minor partner of the NPP in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government
The Chief Minister congratulated his brother, a 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 is pitted against lawyer-writer Zothansangi Hmar of the Mizo National Front. The election will be held on June 18.
Published – June 11, 2026 10:57 pm IST
