The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named former Arunachal Pradesh BJP president and current adviser to the chief minister, Tai Tagak, as its candidate for the state’s lone Rajya Sabha seat, ending days of speculation over the nomination.
Announcing the candidature on Thursday, the party highlighted Tagak’s three-decade-long association with the BJP and his significant contribution to strengthening the organisation in Arunachal Pradesh.
Born on July 1, 1970, in Peel village under Sangram Circle of Kurung Kumey district, Tagak completed his schooling at Government Higher Secondary School, Itanagar. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Government Degree College, Itanagar (now Dera Natung Government College), followed by a master’s degree in the same subject from Arunachal University, now known as Rajiv Gandhi University. He later pursued legal studies at JB Law College in Guwahati.
Before joining politics full-time, Tagak worked as a government school teacher and also served in various capacities at All India Radio, Itanagar.
His political journey began with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 1983. He joined the BJP as a primary member in 1995 and became an active member in 2003 after stepping down from organisational responsibilities within the Sangh.
Over the years, he has held several key positions in the BJP, including State General Secretary, General Secretary (Organisation), party spokesperson, Chief Spokesperson, State BJP President, and member of the State Core Group. He played an important role in election management, organisational expansion, campaign planning and political strategy in Arunachal Pradesh.
Tagak contested the 2004 Assembly election from Nyapin constituency as a BJP candidate and remained loyal to the party during a period when several leaders switched allegiance to rival political parties.
During his tenure as State BJP President, the party achieved a major breakthrough in the 2014 elections by winning 11 Assembly seats and the Arunachal West Lok Sabha constituency. The BJP’s vote share in the state also rose significantly from around 5 percent in 2009 to 31 percent in 2014.
He also led the “Sarhad Ko Pranam Yatra” between 2013 and 2014, an outreach programme aimed at engaging with residents of border villages and highlighting issues related to development, connectivity and infrastructure.
Reacting to his nomination, Tagak expressed gratitude to the party leadership and grassroots workers.
He said the nomination reflected the affection and support of dedicated party workers and pledged to work for the interests of Arunachal Pradesh and the nation if elected to Parliament.
Tagak also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP National President JP Nadda, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein for placing their trust in him.
Congratulating Tagak, Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the nomination as a recognition of his unwavering commitment, loyalty and contribution to strengthening the BJP in Arunachal Pradesh.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also praised Tagak’s dedicated service to the party and expressed confidence that his experience and understanding of people’s aspirations would enable him to effectively represent Arunachal Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha.
