James K Sangma vows to be ‘voice of Meghalaya’ in Rajya Sabha after filing nomination

SHILLONG, JUN 8: NPP national vice president and former home minister James K Sangma on Monday filed his nomination for Meghalaya’s lone Rajya Sabha seat and pledged to use the platform to project the state’s concerns in Parliament.

Accompanied by his brother and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, NPP leaders and different political leaders of MDA-II government, Sangma said his focus if elected would be on issues pending for years and matters that require a collective push from the state.

“The responsibility of MP Rajya Sabha if it were to fall on my shoulder, I will look at how many of the issues which have been pending for long time and also issues which we as a state collectively look at navigating in the future. These are the issues that I intend to be vocal about in the upper house, so that the voice of Meghalaya can be heard in Rajya Sabha,” Sangma said after submitting his papers.

Calling it a collective decision of the ruling alliance, he said he was honoured to be chosen unanimously by MDA II as its candidate.

“This decision is collectively made by the MDA. All I can say is that I am deeply honoured and privileged to be unanimously selected by MDA II. We are here to serve the people of Meghalaya and I will be taking any responsibility given upon me. Similarly, today the MDA II had given me the responsibility of being the candidate and I look forward to carry out the responsibility,” he stated.

Sangma expressed gratitude to the state leadership and alliance partners for backing him.

“First of all, I am very grateful to the people of Meghalaya, the chief minister Conrad K Sangma, both deputy chief ministers, all ministers, MLAs and also all alliance partners from the UDP, HSPDP, BJP and independent MLA for having supported my candidature for the Rajya Sabha,” he said.

With Monday being the last day for filing nominations, he said it was premature to predict the result but added that he felt privileged to represent the state if elected unopposed.

“We have to wait till the end of the day, today is the last day of filing nomination so I don’t think we can jump to conclusion here. But yes, if it were to be uncontested, I feel privileged to be sent as MP Rajya Sabha by the government and I will collectively represent the entire state,” Sangma said.

He also affirmed his commitment to complete the full term in the Upper House.

“The term of MP Rajya Sabha is six years, so I do not intend to come back as I will complete the term. It will be very unfortunate for anyone to go there and then abruptly come back,” he added.

Polling will be held on June 18 from 9 am to 4 pm, and counting of votes will begin at 5 pm the same day.

The elections have been necessitated as the term of office of 24 members of the Council of States is due to expire in June-July 2026.

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