Shillong, 11 June (HS): National People's Party leader James Sangma was formally declared elected unopposed to Meghalaya's lone Rajya Sabha seat on Thursday after receiving his certificate of election from Assembly Secretary and Returning Officer Malthus S Sangma.

Expressing gratitude after the formal declaration, Sangma said the mandate was both an honour and a responsibility. He pledged to raise Meghalaya's concerns more effectively in Parliament and work towards securing greater attention for the Northeast at the national level.

Among the key issues he vowed to pursue are 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 demands reflect the aspirations of the people and have already received the backing of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

The newly elected Rajya Sabha member also stressed the need to strengthen coordination between the state government and central ministries to accelerate development projects and improve the delivery of welfare schemes across Meghalaya.

Responding to reports of differences within the ruling alliance over his candidature, Sangma maintained that all partners of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance ultimately extended unanimous support, describing the consensus as a reflection of democratic decision-making.

On border-related matters, he said he would actively follow up on pending infrastructure projects, including border fencing, while advocating enhanced trade and economic cooperation with neighbouring Bangladesh. He noted that expanding cross-border commerce could provide significant economic opportunities for Meghalaya.

Sangma further reaffirmed his commitment to addressing concerns over illegal immigration and supporting measures aimed at strengthening national security and safeguarding territorial integrity.

Congratulating him on the victory, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the unanimous support for Sangma reflected the alliance's confidence in his ability to effectively represent Meghalaya's interests in the Upper House of Parliament.

Sangma said his tenure would focus on championing the state's priorities while ensuring that issues affecting the wider Northeast receive stronger representation and greater developmental support at the national level.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash