Alphons elected unopposed to RS from Rajasthan

Union Minister of State for Tourism Alphons K. PTI file photo

Union Minister of State for Tourism Alphons K was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan in a bypoll on Thursday. His victory was certain as the Congress did not field a candidate against him.

Secretary of the legislative assembly Prithvi Raj said Alphons was elected unopposed as no other nomination was filed for the seat.

The seat had fallen vacant after former MP Venkaiah Naidu was elected as the Vice President of the country.

Alphons' nomination was, however, opposed by Rajasthan BJP MLA Ghanshyam Tiwari, who said the rights of state party workers had been compromised.

Alphons is the first Keralite Member of Parliament elected from Rajasthan.