Shillong: James P.K. Sangma is set to become the next Rajya Sabha member from Meghalaya after emerging as the only candidate to file nomination papers by the Monday deadline. Returning Officer Malthus A. Sangma confirmed that no rival nominations were received, rendering the scheduled June 18 election unnecessary. Formal scrutiny of the papers will take place on June 9, followed by an official declaration of his election on June 11, provided there are no withdrawals.
Sangma, the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance nominee, submitted his paperwork at the Assembly Secretariat surrounded by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, cabinet ministers, and various alliance leaders. The coalition holds 51 seats in the 60-member Assembly and reached a unanimous decision to support his candidacy. Sangma stated he plans to serve the full six-year term and focus on the state's long-term challenges.
“I am, first of all, very grateful to the people of Meghalaya and especially to our Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Ministers, ministers, MLAs, and our alliance partners from the UDP, HSPDP, and the Independents for supporting my candidature to the Rajya Sabha,” he said. He added that he intends to act as a vocal advocate for Meghalaya to ensure the state's concerns reach Parliament.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma dismissed suggestions of internal friction within the party regarding the selection process. He clarified that the scheduling of the nomination filing conflicted with other commitments, including the funeral of Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar's mother. Looking ahead, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that Sangma will prioritize critical regional issues, including the Sixth Schedule, the Eighth Schedule, and the implementation of the Inner Line Permit.
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