With incumbent Rajya Sabha MP Dr. W.R. Kharlukhi officially opting out of a second term, speculation has erupted over who will be the National People’s Party (NPP) nominee for Meghalaya’s lone Upper House seat next year — with two high-profile names dominating the buzz: former MP Agatha Sangma and former state minister James P.K. Sangma.
Insiders reveal that the NPP may consider approaching Agatha Sangma, who earlier represented Tura in the Lok Sabha, to step into the Rajya Sabha race. However, equally potent speculation circles around her brother and former Dadenggre legislator James P.K. Sangma.
Sources within the party suggest James is hesitant to take up the Rajya Sabha role, reportedly because he wishes to remain active in state politics. James narrowly lost his assembly seat in 2023, and many believe he still harbours ambitions of reclaiming it.
On the other hand, some top NPP functionaries are considering Agatha’s name as a possible consensus candidate. While these are at the initial stage and still speculations are going around, When asked about the swirling speculation, Agatha Sangma told reporters, “As of now we do not have any discussion on Rajya Sabha seat, these are just speculation but what I can say is whoever my party decides, I am ready to support that candidate. It’s parties decision.”
With no official word from the NPP, the question remains: will the party send a seasoned parliamentarian back to Delhi, or will it choose to keep its younger leaders grounded in state politics ahead of 2028?
