As the Monsoon Session of Parliament kicked off on Monday, Assam’s newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs, Birendra Prasad Baishya of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Kanad Purkayastha of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), took their oaths in the Upper House, marking a significant moment for the state’s political representation.
Baishya, a veteran parliamentarian embarking on his second term, swore his oath in Assamese, emphasizing his deep connection to Assam’s cultural and regional identity. Purkayastha, a first-time MP succeeding Mission Ranjan Das, chose to take his oath in classical Sanskrit, a decision that resonated with traditional and ideological undertones, drawing attention in parliamentary circles.
Both MPs, elected unopposed in June, pledged to uphold the dignity and constitutional values of Parliament during their tenure. Their induction is viewed as a strategic blend of legislative experience and fresh energy, reflecting Assam’s evolving political landscape. Baishya brings seasoned expertise, while Purkayastha represents youthful vigor and ideological messaging.
Alongside Baishya and Purkayastha, three nominated Rajya Sabha members — historian Meenakshi Jain, RSS veteran C Sadanandan Master, and former diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla — also took their oaths, bringing the total to five new members sworn in on Monday.
The unopposed elections of Baishya and Purkayastha underscore the political consensus within Assam’s corridors of power, signaling a unified front for the state’s representation in the Rajya Sabha. As the session progresses, all eyes will be on how these MPs navigate their roles to address Assam’s interests on the national stage.
