Shillong, June 11: The National People’s Party (NPP) leader and common Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) candidate Shri James 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 Shri Malthus S. Sangma, Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and Returning Officer for the Rajya Sabha election, who officially declared Shri James Sangma elected to the Upper House of Parliament following the completion of the withdrawal process.
Speaking to the media after receiving the certificate, Shri James Sangma expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and described his election as both a privilege and a profound 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.
Emphasising the need for stronger representation of the region at the national level, Shri Sangma said he would work to ensure that the concerns and aspirations of Meghalaya and the Northeast receive greater attention in Parliament.
“Given the limited representation of the Northeast in Parliament, securing adequate opportunities to raise regional issues is often a challenge. However, 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, Shri Sangma 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.
Noting that these matters have already been endorsed through resolutions passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, he said it would be his duty to carry forward the collective aspirations of the people and the resolutions of the House 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 said.
Shri Sangma further stated that, beyond raising issues in the Rajya Sabha, he would work closely with the Government of Meghalaya and various ministries in New Delhi to facilitate developmental initiatives, secure support for key projects and ensure effective implementation of government schemes in the state.
Responding to questions regarding support from alliance partners, Shri Sangma dismissed suggestions of any differences within the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance, pointing out that leaders and legislators from alliance parties had accompanied him during the nomination process and extended their 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 matters relating to border infrastructure and security, Shri Sangma said he would take up the completion of pending projects, including border fencing and other unfinished schemes, in consultation with both the State and Central Governments.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening trade and economic engagement with neighbouring Bangladesh, given Meghalaya’s strategic location along an extensive international border.
“For Meghalaya, looking south is equally important. 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 and reported attempts to push Bangladeshi nationals into Indian territory, Shri Sangma reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.
“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.
Shri Sangma said his vision as a Member of Parliament would be guided by the interests of Meghalaya and its people while advocating for issues affecting the wider Northeast region. He added that he would work towards securing greater attention, stronger representation and enhanced developmental opportunities for the state through constructive engagement with Parliament and the Government of India.
