Shillong, June 11: National People’s Party (NPP) leader and former Cabinet Minister James Sangma was officially declared elected to the Rajya Sabha from Meghalaya on Thursday after the deadline for withdrawal of nominations expired, leaving him unopposed in the contest.

Receiving his certificate of election from the Returning Officer, Sangma described the occasion as both humbling and honouring, while acknowledging the responsibility of representing Meghalaya and the wider North East in the Upper House of Parliament. He emphasized that the region’s limited representation in Parliament requires persistence and patience to ensure its concerns are adequately addressed.

Sangma emphasized several issues affecting Meghalaya and the North East that deserve greater national attention, identifying the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya as a key priority.

Referring to the resolution passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly seeking ILP, he affirmed that it was his duty to carry forward the Assembly’s mandate and raise the matter in Parliament. He pledged to continue advocating for the implementation of ILP, stressing that the concerns of the State Legislature must be effectively represented before the Centre.

James Sangma will succeed outgoing Rajya Sabha member Dr. W.R. Kharlukhi and is expected to assume office later this month.