James P K Sangma: MDA’s Surprise Pick for Meghalaya Rajya Sabha
The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) has unanimously nominated National People’s Party (NPP) leader James P. K. Sangma as its common candidate for the Rajya Sabha election from Meghalaya, scheduled for June 18, 2026. Sangma is expected to file his nomination papers on June 5, 2026, at 2:30 pm. The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of India’s Parliament.
The decision followed a meeting of leaders from the alliance’s constituent parties where members discussed candidates for the state’s lone Rajya Sabha seat. According to resolutions adopted at the meeting, the NPP’s national and state leadership briefed alliance partners on the election and the party’s position.
During deliberations, several parties put forward their own nominees and asked that those names be considered. As the meeting did not produce consensus on a single alternative, the MDA invoked its convention of backing the proposal of its largest constituent-the NPP-to preserve cohesion and unanimity. The meeting then unanimously endorsed the NPP’s proposal to field James P. K. Sangma.
The alliance also discussed the forthcoming by-election to the Shillong parliamentary constituency and agreed that constituent parties would be free to take independent positions on the bypoll, including supporting a candidate, remaining neutral, or opting out of the contest.
Responding to the endorsement on social media, Sangma said he was “deeply humbled” by the support of the NPP and MDA partners. He thanked Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, leaders of the UDP, HSPDP, BJP and independent members for placing their trust in him.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/james-p-k-sangma-named-mda-candidate-for-meghalaya-rajya-sabha-seat-1402176-2026-06-03?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-06-03 18:17:00