Both leaders receive certificates at Assembly; parties highlight growing representation of women in Parliament
TFP Bureau, Raipur, March 10,2026: Laxmi Verma of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Phulo Devi Netam of the Indian National Congress were on Tuesday declared elected unopposed as members of the Rajya Sabha from Chhattisgarh. Both leaders arrived at the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly to formally receive their election certificates following the completion of the nomination and withdrawal process.
Soon after receiving their certificates, the newly elected MPs shared the moment of celebration by exchanging sweets and congratulating each other warmly. Supporters, party leaders and several public representatives present at the Assembly complex extended their greetings and best wishes to both leaders on their election to the Upper House of Parliament.
The two candidates were declared elected unopposed after the deadline for withdrawal of nominations in the Rajya Sabha elections ended without any additional contestants in the fray. With no rival candidates remaining, both Verma and Netam secured their seats uncontested.
Speaking on the occasion, both leaders expressed gratitude to their respective party leaderships and the people of the state for the trust placed in them. They said they would work with dedication in the Rajya Sabha to raise issues related to Chhattisgarh and contribute to the development and welfare of the state.
The election is considered significant as both major political parties nominated women candidates for the Rajya Sabha seats this time. Political observers note that the move reflects the growing representation of women in national politics and a greater emphasis by parties on promoting women leaders to key parliamentary positions.
Chhattisgarh currently has five seats in the Rajya Sabha. With the election of Laxmi Verma and Phoolodevi Netam, three of the five members representing the state in the Upper House will be women. However, the tenure of Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan is scheduled to end in May this year.
Earlier, the Congress had four of the five Rajya Sabha seats from Chhattisgarh, but the latest election will change the political composition. With the entry of Laxmi Verma, the BJP’s representation from the state in the Upper House will increase to two members, while the Congress will have three members.
Political analysts also point out that both parties appear to have selected their candidates keeping in mind regional representation and social equations in the state. The nominations also underline the parties’ attempts to strengthen their organisational structure and leadership presence ahead of future political challenges.
Interestingly, both Laxmi Verma and Phoolodevi Netam were considered potential contenders for party tickets during the 2023 Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly election but did not receive nominations to contest the polls. Their elevation to the Rajya Sabha is therefore being seen as a significant political responsibility entrusted to them by their respective parties.
Phoolodevi Netam, who hails from the tribal-dominated Bastar region, is regarded as one of the prominent tribal women leaders of the Congress in the state. She is currently serving as the president of the Chhattisgarh Mahila Congress and has been actively involved in organisational and social activities for many years. With her latest election, she will represent the state in the Rajya Sabha for the second consecutive term.
On the other hand, Laxmi Verma is a senior leader of the BJP in Chhattisgarh and has long been associated with organisational responsibilities within the party. She has served as the state vice-president of the BJP and previously held the position of president of the Raipur District Panchayat. Her nomination and election to the Rajya Sabha is being viewed as recognition of her long-standing work in grassroots politics and organisational leadership.
Party workers from both sides celebrated the occasion at the Assembly premises, expressing hope that the newly elected MPs would effectively represent the interests of Chhattisgarh and raise important issues related to development, welfare and regional aspirations in Parliament.
With their election, the state’s representation in the Rajya Sabha will now include a stronger presence of women leaders, marking a notable moment in Chhattisgarh’s parliamentary politics.
