National People’s Party (NPP) national working president and Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) nominee for the Rajya Sabha, James P.K. Sangma, has indicated that he will not contest the 2028 Meghalaya Assembly election, saying he intends to complete the full six-year term of the Upper House if elected. His remarks have simultaneously fuelled speculation that his wife, Jasmine B. Sangma, could emerge as a potential contender from Dadenggre in the next Assembly polls. With less than two years left for the polls, the family is not making any major political announcement currently.
Sangma filed his nomination for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Meghalaya with the backing of the ruling MDA coalition, which commands 51 legislators in the 60-member Assembly. The coalition’s numerical strength makes his election to the Upper House certain.
Responding to a question on whether his elevation to the Rajya Sabha meant that he would not return to State politics in 2028, James P.K. Sangma said, “The term of the member of the member parliament of Rajya Sabha is six years. So I do not intend to come back for Assembly election, I intend to complete this term….It would be very very unfortunate for anyone to go there and then abruptly just come back.”
The former Dadenggre legislator represented the constituency for three consecutive terms before being defeated by All India Trinamool Congress MLA Rupa M. Marak in the 2023 Assembly election.
Asked whether his wife could contest from Dadenggre in the next Assembly election, Sangma said, “Well it’s early because the elections is still a good two years away and again, you know, elections is also based on the needs and the demands of the people. So we will assess that situation and then we’ll the accordingly see that it’s too early in the day to respond.”
Meanwhile, responding to a Media query, James Sangma ‘s wife Jasmine B. Sangma when asked whether she was interested in politics, Jasmine B. Sangma said, “I not be interested, but it is such that I been involved in politics because of him, and I have to be interested at home.”
On whether she would consider entering electoral politics in the future, Jasmine B. Sangma said, “We will cross the bridge when we reach.”
She, further described the occasion as a moment of pride and happiness for the family.
“Definitely, it is a very joyful and happy moment. I feel happy that this responsibility has been entrusted to my husband by the party NPP and all the coalition members and I wish him all the best and so that he can serve the state with the best of his ability,” Sangma added.
