Shillong: The ruling National People’s Party faces a complex political decision as it selects its nominee for the Rajya Sabha election on June 18. While the party holds enough support in the Meghalaya Assembly to secure the seat, leaders are struggling to balance internal power dynamics and long-standing ethnic representation expectations.
The central debate pits senior party leader James P.K. Sangma against former bureaucrat Himalaya Muktan Shangpliang. The choice highlights a regional divide, as the Rajya Sabha position has historically alternated between the Garo Hills and the Khasi-Jaintia Hills. With incumbent MP Wanwei Roy Kharlukhi finishing his term, Garo Hills leaders are pushing for a representative from their region to fill the vacancy.
Internal discussions have intensified amid fears that the decision could impact party unity. Supporters of Shangpliang argue his selection would strengthen the party in the Khasi-Jaintia belt and recognize his loyalty to the leadership. Conversely, those backing Sangma warn that overlooking a prominent Garo figure could alienate a key faction ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Cabinet Minister Wailadmiki Shylla dismissed reports of party discord, stating that individual differences do not equate to a fractured organization. He maintained that the party remains a cohesive unit and that all members will fully support the final choice made by the NPP high command.
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