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Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
AGP nominates Baishya for Rajya Sabha election, ‘fissures' within party
Guwahati: The new generation of AGP leaders, who have come up after the Assam Agitation, yet again failed to secure nomination for the lone Rajya Sabha seat. On Saturday night, AGP again nominated party veteran and outgoing Rajya Sabha MP Birendra Prasad Baishya as its candidate for election to the upper house, which will be held for two seats on June 19, after Baishya (AGP) and Mission Ranjan Das (BJP) complete their respective terms on June 14. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now AGP president Atul Borah on Sunday said the Rajya Sabha was a "house of elders" and an experienced parliamentarian like Baishya was the best fit. "Tomorrow (Monday), Birendra Prasad Baishya will file nomination papers. Rajya Sabha is a house of elders. Normally, more knowledgeable persons get priority, if compared to Lok Sabha across all parties," said Borah. He said in Assam's interest, Baishya needed to be there in the Rajya Sabha. However, sources in AGP said there has been a huge resentment among other party leaders, who have been seeking nomination for the RS polls. Some of the leaders, who were denied ticket, said there were 27 leaders who sought the ticket, displaying resentment within the party ranks. General secretaries Ramendra Narayan Kalita, Kamala Kanta Kalita, Satyabrat Kalita, Manoj Saikia and vice-president Apurba Bhattacharjee were among those prominent leaders and well-known faces of AGP, who wanted the ticket. "There is huge resentment. So many leaders were seeking ticket, when Baishya was again keen to go to Rajya Sabha. It was a kind of protest against his (Baishya's) decision. The younger leaders are frustrated," one of the ticket seekers said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
BJP names Kanad for RS seat, AGP likely to announce nominee soon
1 2 3 Guwahati: The BJP on Saturday named Kanad Purkayastha, son of former Union minister and BJP Assam co-founder Kabindra Purkayastha, as their Rajya Sabha candidate. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced certainty about NDA winning both Rajya Sabha seats, which become vacant this month when current members Birendra Prasad Baishya (AGP) and Mission Ranjan Das (BJP) complete their terms on June 14. Of Assam's seven Rajya Sabha seats, BJP currently holds four, while AGP, UPPL, and an Independent member occupy one each. Nominations close on June 9, with scrutiny scheduled for June 10. Polling will be held on June 19, followed by vote counting that evening. BJP's alliance partner, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), is set to announce their candidate shortly. Despite multiple contenders from both senior and junior ranks, long-standing member Birendra Prasad Baishya remains the likely choice, according to party insiders. Himanta highlighted Barak Valley's significance in BJP's Assam growth, predicting 10-11 BJP victories from the region's 14 seats in the 2026 assembly election. "Kanad Purkayastha has been nominated by BJP for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election. Perhaps AGP will also announce the name of its candidate. We are hopeful of winning both the seats from Assam," Sarma said. Upon reaching Guwahati, Kanad expressed his desire to support the chief minister's vision for Assam's development. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Orlando: How Much Does It Cost To Install Windows In 2025? Storm Through Windows Learn More Undo "Those who sincerely work in BJP, he or she will get due honours in the right time," he said. Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia welcomed Purkayastha's nomination. Currently serving as Assam Pradesh BJP secretary, Purkayastha has been actively involved since the 1980s. Saikia thanked BJP's central leadership for the selection. "Purkayastha has long served the party in various capacities and, as a member of an ideologically committed family since childhood, has consistently worked with devotion. As the son of the party's highly respected guide and veteran leader Kabindra Purkayastha, Kanad is expected to strongly represent the aspirations of the people of Assam and uphold the principles and vision of the BJP in the Upper House of Parliament," Saikia said. In the 126-member assembly, BJP holds 62 seats, while AGP has nine and UPPL possesses seven. BJP anticipates support from Hagrama Mohilary's BPF in the forthcoming Rajya Sabha election. On Saturday, Himanta said, "We have our good wishes for Hagrama Mohilary because he (his party) also votes for us in the Rajya Sabha election. We do not want to go into conflict with Bodo political parties. We will march ahead in our path, taking all as friends," Sarma said. Guwahati: The BJP on Saturday named Kanad Purkayastha, son of former Union minister and BJP Assam co-founder Kabindra Purkayastha, as their Rajya Sabha candidate. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced certainty about NDA winning both Rajya Sabha seats, which become vacant this month when current members Birendra Prasad Baishya (AGP) and Mission Ranjan Das (BJP) complete their terms on June 14. Of Assam's seven Rajya Sabha seats, BJP currently holds four, while AGP, UPPL, and an Independent member occupy one each. Nominations close on June 9, with scrutiny scheduled for June 10. Polling will be held on June 19, followed by vote counting that evening. BJP's alliance partner, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), is set to announce their candidate shortly. Despite multiple contenders from both senior and junior ranks, long-standing member Birendra Prasad Baishya remains the likely choice, according to party insiders. Himanta highlighted Barak Valley's significance in BJP's Assam growth, predicting 10-11 BJP victories from the region's 14 seats in the 2026 assembly election. "Kanad Purkayastha has been nominated by BJP for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election. Perhaps AGP will also announce the name of its candidate. We are hopeful of winning both the seats from Assam," Sarma said. Upon reaching Guwahati, Kanad expressed his desire to support the chief minister's vision for Assam's development. "Those who sincerely work in BJP, he or she will get due honours in the right time," he said. Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia welcomed Purkayastha's nomination. Currently serving as Assam Pradesh BJP secretary, Purkayastha has been actively involved since the 1980s. Saikia thanked BJP's central leadership for the selection. "Purkayastha has long served the party in various capacities and, as a member of an ideologically committed family since childhood, has consistently worked with devotion. As the son of the party's highly respected guide and veteran leader Kabindra Purkayastha, Kanad is expected to strongly represent the aspirations of the people of Assam and uphold the principles and vision of the BJP in the Upper House of Parliament," Saikia said. In the 126-member assembly, BJP holds 62 seats, while AGP has nine and UPPL possesses seven. BJP anticipates support from Hagrama Mohilary's BPF in the forthcoming Rajya Sabha election. On Saturday, Himanta said, "We have our good wishes for Hagrama Mohilary because he (his party) also votes for us in the Rajya Sabha election. We do not want to go into conflict with Bodo political parties. We will march ahead in our path, taking all as friends," Sarma said.
India Gazette
01-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Assam Governor administers oath to State Election Commissioner in Guwahati
ANI 01 Jun 2025, 22:16 GMT+10 Guwahati (Assam) [India], June 1 (ANI): Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Sunday administered the oath of office to Ranjan Sharma as the State Election Commissioner at a solemn function held at Raj Bhavan in Guwahati. Earlier, Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, Dr Ravi Kota sought permission of the Governor to start the proceedings of the ceremony. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Dr J B Ekka, Additional Chief Secretary Kalyan Chakravarthy, Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor of Assam S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram, Commissioner and Secretary Finance Virendra Mittal along with some senior officers of the government. Ranjan Sharma is a retired Assam Civil Services officer, 1992 batch. Ranjan Sharma previously held several significant positions, including Special Commissioner and Secretary. Earlier, the BJP-led NDA had registered a massive victory in the panchayat polls in Assam conducted by the State Election Commissioner. The BJP and its ally party, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), won 300 Zilla Parishad seats and 1436 Anchalik Panchayat seats. Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a press conference held at the State BJP headquarters in Guwahati that the BJP and its ally party AGP won 300 out of 397 Zilla Parishad seats and 1436 out of 2192 Anchalik Panchayat seats in 27 districts of the state. 'Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Team NDA has secured a sweeping victory in the Assam Panchayat Polls 2025. The people's mandate is a resounding endorsement of our welfare-driven governance & a strong show of faith as we move towards 2026,' the Chief Minister said. Assam Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in 2026. (ANI)
Business News Wales
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Mallows Bottling Diversifies with New Squash Line
South Wales-based Mallows Bottling has diversified into new territory with the launch of a five-litre squash product line – a move already delivering an estimated £700,000 in incremental annual revenue. The Llantrisant business, co-founded by father-and-son team Andy and Rhys Mallows and supported by the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP), has secured significant new contracts for the line, which includes a range of single and double-strength squash flavours. The expansion has created three new jobs, added new capacity, and strengthened the business' resilience in a competitive and rapidly changing drinks market. The squash line reflects Mallows' commitment to practical innovation and resource efficiency for the hospitality trade. The five-litre format reduces packaging waste by enabling customers to purchase in larger volumes, supporting efforts to cut single-use plastics and reduce environmental impact. The larger format also offers a cost-effective solution when margins are under pressure. New supply contracts have been secured with major buying group Caterforce, which has 11 members, including Castell Howell and Forest Fresh Foods. Mallows is also working with Food and Drink Wales to expand into cash & carry and the food service sector, with growing demand from hospitality buyers seeking value-for-money options as they respond to financial pressures. The squash range includes Orange, Blackcurrant, Apple & Blackcurrant, Lime, Lemon, Apple, and Summer Fruits. Interest is growing across retail and hospitality, including in the 'shooters' category—referring to small, concentrated drinks typically served in bars, where value and margin are especially important. The diversification has been supported by AGP, which has worked with Mallows Bottling to build strategic capability and expand operations sustainably. Rhys Mallows, Managing Director of Mallows Bottling, said: 'We saw a clear opportunity to offer a cost-effective, large-format squash range that meets customer needs and supports the hospitality sector during a tough trading period. 'The response has been very positive, already generating significant value for the business. It's also helped us expand the team and open up fresh routes to market.' Richard Morris, Programme Director for AGP, said: 'Mallows Bottling is a great example of a business that's constantly evolving and seeking out new growth opportunities. Rhys and Andy have a strong sense of the market's needs and are not afraid to move quickly. This expansion into squash demonstrates the power of combining insight, agility, and ambition – and we're proud to support them through the AGP.' The move follows a period of sustained growth for Mallows Bottling, which recently celebrated a £1 million sales week and has invested significantly in sustainability and new technology, backed by a seven-figure investment from the Development Bank of Wales. The company, already the largest contract bottler for spirits in Wales, offers more than 200 products across both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ranges. It employs 35 people at its 30,000-square-foot purpose-built bottling facility in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Boosted by Panchayat win, Himanta Biswa Sarma aims for 104 of 126 Assembly seats
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Guwahati: With the NDA sweeping the Assam panchayat polls, winning 300 zilla parishads and 1,436 anchalik panchayats, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa is targeting to win around 104 of the 126 assembly seats in next year's assembly took place in two phases -- on May 2 and May 7 -- across 27 districts of Assam, the first such elections held after the delimitation of constituencies."The Assam panchayat polls results point to a clear pro-incumbency wave in Assam. Compared to 2018, we've seen a broad increase in seat and vote share by over 26%. These results come a year ahead of the 2026 polls and a year after an exceptional performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls," Sarma the 397 zilla parishads, NDA secured 300, BJP won 274 while Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) won the rest."Out of 2,192 anchalik panchayats, NDA won 1,436, BJP won 1,265 and 171 was won by AGP. Congress won in 72 zilla parishads."He said 76.27% of the zilla parishad seats were with the NDA. Sarma highlighted that the party achieved nearly full dominance in several districts, including in Dibrugarh, Dhemaji, Sonitpur, Tinsukia, Golaghat, Jorhat, and more. "We have won 100% of the ZP seats in multiple districts. Even in places where we didn't win all the seats, we received substantial support," he ruling BJP's strength in the 126-member Assam Assembly stands at 64, while its allies AGP has nine MLAs and the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) has said BJP won even in the Muslim-dominated seats. "Throughout Assam, the Congress could not win a single seat dominated by Hindus. We are doing very well in areas which were traditionally not ours.""We will do a panchayat conference in Guwahati. We will invite party president JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah ," he said, "We will contest 105 seats in next year's assembly polls. Among the indigenous Muslims, our vote percentage has gone up to 60-70%."Amit Shah stated on X, "Gratitude to the people of Assam for granting the NDA a historic victory in panchayat election 2025. This victory is an endorsement of PM @narendramodi ji's people-centric policies that have brought about a new era of peace and prosperity in Assam. My heartfelt congratulations to CM @himantabiswaJi, Assam BJP President @DilipSaikia4Bjp ji, and the @BJP4Assam Karyakartas for their dedicated efforts to carry Modi ji's message of development door to door. Together, we will build a developed Assam for all."
