SHILLONG: Accompanied by leaders of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), National People’s Party (NPP) National Working President James P.K. Sangma on Monday filed his nomination papers for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Meghalaya.
On this day, he asserted that if his election turns out to be uncontested, it would mean he would get to collectively represent the entire State in Parliament, as the ruling coalition showcased its commanding majority in the Assembly.
This day witnessed a show of political unity by the ruling alliance, with NPP National President Conrad K. Sangma, BJP legislator and Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai, United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator Nujorki Sungoh, Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Manikya Debbarma, Daniel Langthasa, and Mmhonlumo Kikon coming along to accompany the candidate of the MDA II.
Within the Legislative Assembly, the MDA II commands the support of 51 legislators (MLAs) in the 60-member Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, comfortably placing the coalition-backed candidate in a secure position to secure election to the Upper House of Parliament.
Addressing mediapersons after filing his nomination papers, James Sangma said that if elected to the Rajya Sabha, he would focus on long-pending issues affecting Meghalaya, while also addressing emerging challenges that the State would have to collectively navigate in the future.
He said he intended to voice and speak up loudly in the Rajya Sabha, and work hard towards ensuring that Meghalaya’s concerns effectively receive proper attention at the national political level.
He stated that he looks forward to winning and taking up the responsibilities of a Rajya Sabha member if those duties fall upon his shoulders. Sangma also stated that this electoral contest was the result of a collective decision taken with the consensus of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance.
He expressed that his role was to serve the people of the state of Meghalaya and that he would carry out any responsibility assigned to him by the alliance. He reiterated that these are the issues he intends to speak about in the Rajya Sabha so that the voice of Meghalaya can be heard in Parliament.
Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, ministers, legislators, and alliance partners for supporting his candidature.
Referring to the possibility of an uncontested election, Sangma said such an outcome would reflect a broad political consensus on Meghalaya’s representation in the Rajya Sabha. He pointed out that if the election is uncontested, he will be collectively representing the entire State.
