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| Tame Phassang with BJP State President Kaling Moyong in BJP office Itanagar. |
Itanagar, June 2:
Former Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) Mayor Tame Phassang has formally expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha election from Arunachal Pradesh, submitting his application to BJP Arunachal Pradesh president Kaling Moyong and seeking the party's nomination for the lone seat.
Phassang stated that he remains committed to serving the people of Arunachal Pradesh with sincerity, dedication and a spirit of public service if given the opportunity to represent the state in the Upper House of Parliament. He also sought the support of the party leadership as the BJP begins the process of selecting its nominee.
His entry comes at a time when the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is witnessing significant interest in the Rajya Sabha seat. Speaking at a recent press conference, state BJP president Kaling Moyong confirmed that 12 aspirants have submitted their applications for the party ticket, though he refrained from disclosing their identities officially.
According to party sources, the list of aspirants reportedly includes Environment, Forest, Geology and Mining Minister Wangki Lowang; incumbent Rajya Sabha MP Nabam Rebia; Pasighat West MLA and former Lok Sabha MP Ninong Ering; former ministers Taba Tedir and Tage Taki; former state BJP presidents Tai Tagak and Dr Tangor Tapak; Forest Corporation Chairman Nalong Mize; BJP Core Committee member Kenyir Ringu; state executive member Dotam Sora; BJP leader Nuney Tayang; entrepreneur and Kurung Kumey district BJP vice president Ha Tatu; and former IMC Mayor Tame Phassang.
The large number of contenders highlights the importance attached to the lone Rajya Sabha seat and presents the party leadership with the task of balancing organisational experience, political representation and electoral considerations. Several aspirants have long-standing associations with the party and have held key positions in government and the organisation.
Party sources indicate that the selection process will involve consultations between the state leadership and the BJP's central leadership. Recommendations from Chief Minister Pema Khandu, state BJP president Kaling Moyong and other senior leaders are expected to play an important role before a final decision is taken.
With multiple prominent leaders and party veterans in the fray, the BJP's choice for the Rajya Sabha nomination is being closely watched across the state. The party is expected to announce its candidate after completing internal deliberations and consultations in the coming days.
