Shillong, June 8: National People’s Party (NPP) leader and former legislator James P K Sangma on Sunday filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha election before Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretary Malthus S Sangma, backed by the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA).
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who is also the NPP national president, accompanied the candidate during the filing of nomination papers, along with cabinet ministers, legislators and representatives of alliance partners.
James Sangma has been named as the consensus candidate of the MDA for the Rajya Sabha seat. Leaders from coalition partners, including the United Democratic Party (UDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) and independent MLAs, were present to extend support for his candidature.
After filing his nomination, Sangma expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, as well as alliance partners for their backing. He said that if elected to the Upper House of Parliament, he would work to raise long-pending issues and ensure that “the voice of Meghalaya is heard” at the national level.
He added that his candidature was finalised after consultations among all MDA partners and said he was prepared to take on any responsibility entrusted to him.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the Rajya Sabha member would be expected to actively participate in parliamentary debates and take up issues concerning the state. He described the role as a bridge between the state and the Centre on key matters requiring sustained engagement.
He further said the new MP would pursue important concerns such as the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, issues related to the Sixth Schedule, amendments to the FCRA, illegal immigration and the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act.
The Chief Minister said the Rajya Sabha representative would play a critical role in advancing Meghalaya’s interests in Parliament and with the Government of India.
