Shillong, May 31: The race for Meghalaya’s lone Rajya Sabha seat is heating up with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) set to meet later this week to finalise its candidate. Three names are currently in consideration.
Dr WR Kharlukhi, the current Rajya Sabha MP, whose tenure is set to be over on June 21, 2026, has repeatedly indicated that he does not intend to seek another term.
The Election Commission has scheduled polling for the Rajya Sabha seat on June 18, with nominations to begin from June 1 and June 8 being the last date of nomination.
Sources said the three names under consideration are: James P.K. Sangma, former cabinet minister and one of the party’s senior leaders from Garo Hills; H.M. Shangpliang, former Mawsynram MLA and senior NPP leader; and Hamletson Dohling, a former minister and MLA from Mylliem.
Political observers believe the NPP is in a comfortable position to retain the lone Rajya Sabha seat, given its numerical strength in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
Overall, James Sangma is seen as the frontrunner who himself has also expressed his desire to represent Meghalaya in the Rajya Sabha, if the party nominates him. The NPP in Garo Hills is also firmly in favour of sending James Sangma to the Rajya Sabha, stressing on the need for an assertive voice in the Parliament.
The name of Himalaya Muktan Shangpliang has also generated buzz in recent times. According to sources, high-level meetings have already taken place within the party with a growing consensus building in favour of Shangpliang.
Hamlet Dohling, a former minister, is the latest to join the list of names doing the rounds.
Despite the active speculation, the party leadership has been careful to keep its cards close. Recently, MDA Government Spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla acknowledged that four or five names have come forward for the Rajya Sabha seat but confirmed the decision is yet to be taken.
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