Raipur, Chhattisgarh: The ruling party in the state, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has formally filed its nomination for the upcoming 2026 Rajya Sabha Election in Chhattisgarh, with party leader Laxmi Verma entering the race for a seat in India’s upper house of Parliament.
Verma submitted her nomination papers at the state legislative assembly in Raipur on Thursday. The nomination was proposed by Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, along with state BJP president Kiran Singh Deo and senior party legislator Dharamlal Kaushik.
Before filing her nomination, Verma visited the BJP headquarters at the Kushabhau Thakre complex in Raipur, where she paid floral tribute at the memorial site. Several senior leaders of the party, including cabinet ministers and organizational officials, accompanied her during the visit.
Speaking to reporters after filing the nomination, Verma expressed gratitude to the party’s leadership for entrusting her with the responsibility. She said she began her political journey as a grassroots worker inspired by the ideology of the BJP and pledged to fulfill the role with dedication.
“I thank our leadership for giving a worker like me such a big responsibility. I will try to live up to the trust placed in me,” Verma said, acknowledging the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party leadership.
Meanwhile, the opposition Indian National Congress has nominated incumbent member Phulo Devi Netam for another term in the Rajya Sabha.
Commenting on the Congress candidate, Verma said the BJP has consistently worked toward women’s empowerment and pointed to the passage of legislation reserving seats for women in legislatures. She added that the move had increased political opportunities for women across parties.
The Rajya Sabha elections from Chhattisgarh are expected to be largely determined by the current strength of parties in the state assembly, where the BJP holds a majority.