Meghalaya: Speculation grows over James Sangma’s Rajya Sabha bid

Correspondent

Shillong: With National People’s Party (NPP) veteran and lone Rajya Sabha MP from Meghalaya Dr. W.R. Kharlukhi formally announcing his retirement from parliamentary politics, political circles are abuzz with speculation that former cabinet minister James P.K. Sangma may emerge as a frontrunner for the Upper House seat.

Sources indicate that James Sangma—who lost the 2023 Assembly election from Dadenggre—could be considered for a Rajya Sabha nomination as the party seeks to strengthen its representation in Delhi. With only one MP currently representing the NPP at the national level, the leadership is likely to weigh its options carefully for a strategic voice in Parliament.

Dr. Kharlukhi, who also previously served as the NPP’s state president, said it was time for generational change. “By the next term I will be nearing 70. It’s time to make way for youth leadership,” he remarked, formally signalling his decision not to seek another term.

He remained tight-lipped about his potential successor, noting, “The decision rests with the party. It will be up to the NPP leadership to decide who will be nominated.”

The announcement has intensified internal discussions within the party, with many viewing James Sangma—a seasoned politician and a key figure in NPP’s growth—as a natural contender to carry the mantle forward in the Rajya Sabha.

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