BJP has released its official Rajya Sabha candidate list. Party nominated Tai Tagak from Arunachal Pradesh. Gujarat candidates include Rajubhai Shukla, Mukeshbhai Rathwa, Man Singh Parmar, Jeetendra Meghjibhai, and Kanjaria.
From Madhya Pradesh, BJP selected Tarun Chugh and Rajnish Agrawal. Manipur’s nominee is A. Shardi Devi. Rajasthan candidates are Dr. Alka Gurjar and Satish Poonia, while Odisha’s nominee is Debashish Samantaray.
New Delhi: The BJP has announced 11 candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha biennial elections and the Odisha Rajya Sabha bypoll. The party has fielded Tai Tagak from Arunachal Pradesh; Rajubhai Shukla, Mukeshbhai Rathwa, Mansingh Parmar, and Jitendra Meghjibhai Kanzariya from… pic.twitter.com/gbzzliRrLL
— IANS (@ians_india) June 4, 2026
Profile: Satish Poonia
Satish Poonia started in student politics and rose to key party positions. He previously served as Rajasthan BJP president. Additionally, Poonia was Deputy Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan Assembly and currently oversees BJP activities in Haryana.
Belonging to the Jat community, he manages social and political equations across Rajasthan and Haryana.
During Bihar elections, he actively campaigned with party workers, demonstrating organizational and grassroots strengths.
Profile: Tarun Chugh
Tarun Chugh joined RSS at a young age and now serves as BJP National General Secretary.
He acts as a crisis manager and election strategist, managing states like Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Telangana.
Chugh coordinates rallies and unifies workers during elections, showcasing his strong leadership capabilities.
He is the only candidate nominated from a state different than his primary responsibilities.
Profile: Debashish Samantaray
Debashish Samantaray hails from Cuttack, Odisha, and is a recognized grassroots leader.
He joined BJP in May 2026 after leaving BJD and resigned from his Rajya Sabha position a day prior.
Selection Overview
Most candidates represent their respective home states, with strategic exceptions like Tarun Chugh.
BJP emphasizes organizational strength, experience, and ability to manage party workers while ensuring regional representation.
The cabinet considered past political achievements and community representation to finalize the nominations.
