Shillong, June 11: National People’s Party (NPP) leader and Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) candidate James Pangsang Kongkal Sangma on Thursday formally received his certificate of election to Meghalaya’s lone Rajya Sabha seat after being elected unopposed.
The certificate was handed over by Malthus S. Sangma, Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and Returning Officer for the Rajya Sabha election, following the completion of the withdrawal process and formal declaration of the result.
Speaking to reporters after receiving the certificate, James Sangma expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in him and described his election to the Upper House of Parliament as both an honour and a significant responsibility.
“I feel deeply humbled and honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility. Representing Meghalaya in the Rajya Sabha is a significant responsibility, and I intend to discharge it with utmost dedication, sincerity and commitment,” he said.
Sangma stressed the need for stronger representation of Meghalaya and the Northeast at the national level, noting that the region often faces challenges in securing adequate opportunities to raise its concerns in Parliament.
“Through persistence and constructive engagement, I will strive to ensure that the voice of Meghalaya and the Northeast is heard more effectively in the Upper House,” he said.
Outlining his priorities, the newly elected Rajya Sabha member said he would actively pursue key issues concerning the state, including the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.
He said these issues have already been endorsed through resolutions passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and pledged to carry forward the aspirations of the people in Parliament.
“As a representative of the state, it is my bounden duty to ensure that the resolutions passed by the Assembly find a strong voice in Parliament,” he stated.
Sangma also said he would work closely with the Meghalaya Government and various Central ministries to facilitate development projects, secure support for key initiatives and ensure effective implementation of government schemes in the state.
Responding to questions on support from alliance partners, he dismissed suggestions of differences within the MDA, pointing out that leaders and legislators from alliance parties had accompanied him during the nomination process and extended unanimous support to his candidature.
“In a democracy, different names and opinions are natural and healthy. However, a collective decision was ultimately taken, and there has been unanimous support for my candidature,” he said.
On border infrastructure and security, Sangma said he would take up pending projects, including border fencing and other unfinished schemes, in coordination with both the State and Central Governments.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening trade and economic ties with neighbouring Bangladesh, given Meghalaya’s strategic location along the international border.
“There is considerable potential for expanding border trade and economic cooperation, and I will engage with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to explore opportunities that can contribute to the state’s growth and prosperity,” he said.
Addressing concerns over illegal immigration, Sangma reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding India’s territorial integrity and supporting efforts to strengthen border security.
“The territorial integrity of India must be protected at all costs. Government agencies are already addressing these concerns, and I will extend my full support to all efforts aimed at securing our borders and upholding national security,” he said.
Sangma added that his tenure in the Rajya Sabha would be guided by the interests of Meghalaya while also advocating for issues affecting the wider Northeast, with a focus on securing greater representation, attention and developmental opportunities for the region.
