Syiem becomes first woman Rajya Sabha member from Meghalaya

Shillong, April 11 (IANS) Wansuk Syiem of the Congress Thursday scripted history by becoming the first woman from Meghalaya to be elected member of the Rajya Sabha.

“Syiem was elected unopposed as Rajya Sabha member from Meghalaya as she was the lone candidate to file her nomination,” Meghalaya state assembly secretary H. Mylliemngap, who was also the returning officer for the Rajya Sabha by-election, told IANS.

Syiem had resigned as member of the National Commission for Women to contest the election.

The opposition Meghalaya People’s Front, including the United Democratic Party, National People’s Party and two Independents, did not field any candidate for the by-poll after two of the aspirants pulled out at the last moment.

The by-election for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Meghalaya was necessitated due to the resignation of sitting member Thomas A. Sangma Feb 4.

Syiem will serve only the remainder of Sangma’s term, which is till April 12, 2014.

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