ITANAGAR : The nomination process for polls to the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Arunachal Pradesh commenced on Monday with the issuance of the Election Commission notification, an official said.

The last date for filing nominations is June 8, while scrutiny of papers will be taken up on June 9, he said. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is June 11.

Sitting MP Nabam Rebia’s term ends on June 23.

In the event of a contest, polling will take place on June 18 and counting of votes will be held the same day, the official said.

The EC has earlier announced the elections to 27 Rajya Sabha seats, including 24 biennial vacancies in 10 states.

A total of 14 candidates have submitted applications, seeking the ruling BJP’s nomination for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Arunachal Pradesh, state party president Kaling Moyong said.

Those in the fray include Environment and Forest Minister Wangki Lowang, incumbent Rajya Sabha MP Nabam Rebia, Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering, former ministers Taba Tedir and Tage Taki, and former state BJP presidents Tai Tagak and Tangor Tapak.

BJP sources, however, said that no candidate has been finalised and the party’s Parliamentary Board is yet to meet to decide on the nominee.

With the BJP commanding an overwhelming majority in the 60-member Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the party nominee is expected to comfortably win the Rajya Sabha seat. (Source: PTI)