In Meghalaya, National People’s Party (NPP) candidate and former legislator James Pangsang Kongkal Sangma is poised for an unopposed election to the Rajya Sabha. Sangma filed his nomination on Monday for the June 18 election, and no other candidate submitted papers by the 3 pm deadline on the final nomination day, according to Malthus S. Sangma, Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and Returning Officer.
Uncontested Victory Assured
The scrutiny of nominations is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is June 11. An official confirmed that after completing formalities, Sangma will be declared elected uncontested on June 11. This election is necessitated as the term of 24 Rajya Sabha members is set to expire in June-July 2026. The current Rajya Sabha member from Meghalaya is W.R. Kharlukhi, also from the NPP.
Support from Alliance Partners
During the nomination filing, Sangma was accompanied by his younger brother, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who is also the national president of the NPP, which leads the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA)-2.0 government. Representatives from alliance partners, including the United Democratic Party (UDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), and independent MLAs, were also present.
After filing his nomination, Sangma expressed his intent to be vocal in the Upper House on long-pending issues and emerging matters concerning the state, ensuring that the voice of Meghalaya is heard. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stated that the next Rajya Sabha MP will act as a bridge between the state and central government, pursuing the Inner Line Permit (ILP), the Meghalaya Resident Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), and other pending matters. He emphasized that James would play a critical role in raising issues such as the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the 8th Schedule to the Constitution, matters related to the 6th Schedule, the FCRA amendment, and measures to check illegal immigration.
Mizoram Sees First Woman Candidate
In Mizoram, the main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) announced lawyer and writer Zothansangi Hmar as its candidate for the state’s lone Rajya Sabha seat, making her the first woman ever nominated from Mizoram for Parliament. She filed her nomination on the final day, submitting papers to Assembly Commissioner Zothansanga Ralte, the Returning Officer. Her nomination was proposed by four legislators and backed by party leaders and MLAs present during the filing.
Two Candidates in Fray
Two candidates are now in the fray, with ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) nominee K. Laltluangkima having filed his nomination on Friday. The MNF announcement was made by Senior Vice-President R. Lalthangliana at the party headquarters, Mizo Hnam Run. He described Zothansangi as a capable and accomplished young professional, reflecting the MNF’s push for greater participation of youth and women in public life.
Accepting the nomination, Zothansangi said she was honored by the party’s trust and viewed the opportunity as a responsibility to serve not only the MNF but also Mizo women and the people of Mizoram. A practicing advocate, she expressed hope to use her legal background to uphold justice and work for ordinary citizens. Her priorities include protection of the state’s interests, women’s empowerment, livelihoods, youth employment, skill development, industrial growth in the Northeast, and promotion of sports and music. She currently serves as Treasurer of the MNF Legal Board and legal adviser to the Mizoram Hindi Board.
Political Landscape
Political observers note that the contest remains tilted toward the ruling ZPM, which holds 27 seats in the 40-member Assembly. The MNF has 10 MLAs, while the BJP and Congress have two and one seats respectively. Scrutiny of nominations will be held on Tuesday, and withdrawals are permitted until 3 pm on Thursday.
