SHILLONG: Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA)-II candidate and NPP national vice president James K. Sangma was elected unopposed to the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Meghalaya on Thursday after the withdrawal deadline lapsed.
“Following the closure of the withdrawal process at 3 pm today, I met the Returning Officer and received my certificate of election,” James Sangma told reporters.
Calling it a big responsibility, he said he would represent the state with dedication.
“I just want to say that I feel humbled and, at the same time, very honoured to be shouldering this responsibility. I know it is a very big responsibility to represent our state of Meghalaya in the Upper House and, knowing my responsibility fully well, I intend to carry this responsibility with all my dedication and sincerity,” he said.
On the challenges of representing the Northeast in Parliament, Sangma said limited numbers make it difficult to get speaking time, but he would continue to press for more opportunities.
“Yes, it is always a challenge because getting an opportunity to express yourself on a representative basis in Parliament is not easy. Because of the smaller numbers from the Northeast, it is always a challenge. But I believe persistence and patience are essential, and I will ensure I have both in plenty. I will continue to press for more time to be allotted, especially because there are many issues not just in Meghalaya but across the entire Northeast that need a voice in Parliament,” he said.
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“So, it will be my endeavour to impress upon and stress the fact that the Northeast needs more talking room, talking space and talking time in Parliament,” he added.
Sangma listed the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule and the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) among his priorities.
“From Meghalaya’s perspective, we all know that we are pushing for the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule. There are many issues concerning Meghalaya that we want to be heard in Parliament, but there are also issues in the Northeast that need to be highlighted,” he said.
“On Inner Line Permit (ILP), as we all know, this issue has been passed as a resolution by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. Therefore, it is my bounden duty as a representative of the state to carry forward that resolution so that it finds a voice in the halls of the Rajya Sabha. Yes, I will be pursuing this matter,” he said.
He also said he would facilitate the implementation of Central schemes in the state.
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“As a Member of Parliament, I can also play a role in New Delhi by pursuing government programmes and schemes with the respective departments. So, I will be offering my services to the government to take up such matters as well,” he said.
