New MP pledges stronger voice for Meghalaya, NE in Parliament
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 11: National People’s Party (NPP) leader James P.K. Sangma on Thursday formally received his certificate of election to the Rajya Sabha after being elected unopposed. He pledged to represent Meghalaya and the Northeast with dedication and sincerity in Parliament.
Speaking to reporters after receiving the certificate from the Returning Officer, Sangma said he felt deeply humbled by the responsibility of representing the state in the Upper House and acknowledged the challenges northeastern states face in securing adequate speaking time and representation in Parliament. He said he would persistently push for greater space and time for issues concerning Meghalaya and the region.
Sangma identified the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution as one of his key priorities, saying the demand, along with other issues concerning Meghalaya and the Northeast, would be actively pursued in the Rajya Sabha.
On the long-standing demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya, Sangma noted that the State Assembly had already passed a resolution on the matter and said it was his duty to ensure the resolution finds a voice in Parliament. He added he would continue to pursue the issue.
Outlining his role as an MP, Sangma said that, besides raising issues in the Rajya Sabha, he would work with central ministries and departments to facilitate government schemes and programmes that could benefit Meghalaya.
Asked about working with Tura MP Saleng A. Sangma despite belonging to different parties, he said the welfare of Meghalaya should transcend political affiliations and expressed confidence that all elected representatives would work in the state’s best interests.
MDA allies united behind
my candidature: James
Sangma also dismissed suggestions that certain constituents of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) were unhappy with his nomination, asserting that alliance partners had ultimately extended unanimous support to his candidature.
Addressing questions on reported differences within the ruling coalition, Sangma pointed out that leaders and legislators from alliance parties had accompanied him when he filed his nomination papers, demonstrating their support. He acknowledged that different names may have been discussed during the selection process but described such discussions as a natural and healthy feature of a democratic alliance.
According to him, the MDA acted in keeping with its democratic character by allowing consultations before arriving at a final decision. Sangma said the process ultimately resulted in a consensus and maintained there was unity within the alliance regarding his nomination.
