Nomination Filed at the State Assembly
On Tuesday, senior BJP leader Dinesh Arya formally entered the contest for Uttarakhand’s solitary Rajya Sabha seat by submitting his nomination papers at the state Assembly in Dehradun. The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, state party president Mahendra Bhatt, a host of ministers, legislators and senior party functionaries.
Arya’s Political Background
Originating from the Nainital district and belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, Arya has been a grassroots activist for decades. He previously chaired the BJP’s Nainital district unit and has occupied senior positions within the party’s Scheduled Caste Morcha. Currently, he serves as vice‑chairperson of the Uttarakhand State‑Level Drinking Water Monitoring Council—a role that carries the rank of Minister of State—and also functions as Public Relations Officer to Chief Minister Dhami.
- Vice‑Chairperson, Uttarakhand State‑Level Drinking Water Monitoring Council (Minister of State rank)
- Public Relations Officer to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami
- Former President, BJP Nainital District Unit
- Senior functionary in the BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha
CM Dhami’s Remarks
“Dinesh Arya is a tireless worker who has risen through the party by sheer perseverance,” said CM Dhami after the filing. “Choosing a candidate from humble origins sends a clear message: dedication to the organization is recognised and rewarded.” He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the national leadership for their support.
What This Means for the Upcoming Rajya Sabha Poll
The election for Uttarakhand’s lone Rajya Sabha seat is scheduled for 16 October. Incumbent BJP MP Naresh Bansal will vacate the post on 25 November at the end of his term. With the BJP enjoying a comfortable majority in the state assembly, Arya’s win is widely viewed as a foregone conclusion, reinforcing the message that steadfast party service can lead to high office.
