Alliance partners endorse NPP leader after failing to reach consensus on a common candidate; nomination to be filed on June 5
Shillong: The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance-II (MDA-II) unanimously endorsed National People’s Party (NPP) leader James PK Sangma as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election scheduled for June 18.
The decision was taken at a meeting of parliamentary party leaders of all MDA-II constituents chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Although several alliance partners proposed their own nominees, discussions failed to produce a consensus candidate.
Consequently, the coalition agreed to follow the established convention of backing the nominee put forward by its largest constituent, the NPP. UDP leader Paul Lyngdoh said the move was aimed at preserving alliance unity and ensuring a collective approach ahead of the election.
Chief Minister Sangma said extensive deliberations were held before the alliance arrived at a unanimous decision. “Different parties had different preferences, but ultimately all constituents agreed to support the candidate proposed by the largest partner,” he said.
He further clarified that James PK Sangma would contest as the official nominee of the MDA-II rather than solely as an NPP candidate. According to the Chief Minister, all alliance partners formally endorsed the resolution, leaving no ambiguity regarding support from coalition legislators.
The alliance also decided to allow constituent parties the freedom to choose their own course of action in the forthcoming Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll, including contesting independently, extending support, remaining neutral or staying away.
Nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha election are expected to be filed on June 5.
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