Shillong: The BJP has confirmed it will support the consensus candidate chosen by the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance for the state's upcoming Rajya Sabha election on June 18. BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang stated that the party will not field its own candidate, opting instead to prioritize alliance unity for the vacant Upper House seat.
Tradition dictates that the Rajya Sabha representative should alternate between the Garo Hills and the Khasi-Jaintia Hills regions. As the term of the current MP, Wanwei Roy Kharlukhi, concludes, local expectations point toward a candidate from the Garo Hills. James P.K. Sangma, brother of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, is currently the frontrunner for the nomination. While the NPP has not yet finalized its official candidate, the lack of serious opposition from the Khasi-Jaintia region further clears the path for his candidacy.
The NPP holds a comfortable majority in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly, positioning the party to secure a victory for its nominee. Party leadership plans to hold discussions in the coming days to confirm the selection.
Separately, the BJP is preparing for the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election following the death of Ricky A.J. Syngkon. Nine individuals have applied for the party ticket, and leadership intends to shortlist three candidates. Unlike the 2024 general election, where the BJP supported an NPP candidate, local leaders are pushing for the central party to field its own representative this time to better align with its ideological priorities.
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