Women's issues, Manipur's integrity top priorities: BJP Rajya Sabha nominee Sarda Devi

BJP Rajya Sabha nominee Adhikarimayum Sarda Devi on June 8 said she would raise issues concerning women's welfare, empowerment and Manipur's territorial integrity in Parliament if elected to the Upper House.

 

Speaking after filing her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha election, Sarda Devi said the opportunity entrusted to her by the party leadership would be used to highlight concerns affecting the people of Manipur at the national level.

 

"We had set up relief camps for women affected by the ethnic violence. If elected, I intend to raise women-related issues in Parliament," she said.

 

Highlighting her focus on gender-related concerns, Sarda Devi said development and empowerment of women would remain among her key priorities.

 

"As a woman myself, my priorities would be development-related issues for women and working towards women empowerment," she added.

 

The BJP leader also stressed the need to safeguard Manipur's territorial integrity and address issues raised by residents of the state.

 

"Through this opportunity given to me by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the party leadership, I will raise issues related to safeguarding the integrity of Manipur and concerns brought forward by the people from time to time," she said.

 

Sarda Devi filed her nomination papers before the Returning Officer at the Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, BJP legislators, senior party leaders and members of allied parties.

 

She thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP leadership for selecting her as the party's candidate.

 

"I am grateful to all of them for the confidence they have shown in me and for entrusting me with this responsibility," she said.

 

Sarda Devi, who became the first woman to serve as BJP's Manipur state president, has been fielded by the party for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from the state.

 

The Rajya Sabha election in Manipur is scheduled for June 18. Scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on June 9, while candidates can withdraw their nominations until June 11. Voting, if required, will take place on June 18, with counting of votes scheduled later the same day.

 

The BJP and its allies are expected to retain a strong position in the contest, given their influence in the Manipur Legislative Assembly.