By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 30: With the Rajya Sabha term of sitting MP Wanwei Roy Kharlukhi nearing its end, internal discussions within the NPP have begun to gather pace, with senior party leaders from Garo Hills pitching for former cabinet minister and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s elder sibling, James P.K. Sangma as the party’s nominee.
Party sources indicated that while a few other names are also doing the rounds, there is a clear push from sections of the Garo Hills leadership for James’s candidature. The development signals early positioning within the party, even as formal deliberations are yet to begin.
Among the other names being discussed is former Mawsynram MLA HM Shangpliang, reflecting a broader churn within the party over who could best represent Meghalaya in the Upper House. However, sources stressed that no final decision has been taken and the matter has not yet come up for official discussion within party forums.
James, responding earlier to suggestions from within the party, had struck a measured note, expressing gratitude while leaving the decision entirely to the leadership.
He had stated that he has never shied away from responsibility and would be open to the role if the party and the people deem him fit to represent the state.
In a parallel development, former MP, Agatha Sangma has already ruled out any plans to enter the Rajya Sabha race, underlining that the choice of candidate rests solely with the party leadership. She had maintained that she would support whoever is ultimately nominated.
With the clock ticking on Kharlukhi’s tenure, the NPP is expected to intensify internal consultations in the coming months. For now, however, the party leadership appears to be keeping its options open, even as regional preferences begin to surface from within its ranks.
