Know your politician | Facts about newly-elected Rajya Sabha MP from Meghalaya Dr. W.R. Kharlukhi
FACTS | JUNE 20, 2020:
The consensus candidate of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) and the State President of the National President's People (NPP), Dr. W.R. Kharlukhi was elected as the Rajya Sabha MP from Meghalaya by defeating Congress candidate, Kennedy Khyriem by 20 votes.
Here's all you need to know about Rajya Sabha MP, Dr. W.R. Kharlukhi:
Dr. W.R.Kharlukhi was born on 27 November 1965 at Mission Hospital, Jowai (now called Norman Tunnel Mission Hospital).
Education
He did his schooling from Jowai Government Higher Secondary School and later joined St. Anthony's College for further studies. He received his Post-Graduation degree and Master of Philosophy in History from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and completed his Doctorate of Philosophy in Political Science.
Years as a Student Leader
Dr. Kharlukhi was a member of the Jaintia Students' Union under the leadership of former Minister, Dr. R.C.Laloo in 1972 and became the President of Jaintia Students' Union from the year 1980-1983. Along with M.N. Syiem, President of the Khasi Students' Union and Barthiar Marak, President of Garo Students' Union; together they formed the Meghalaya Students' Union in 1980.
In the year 1981, he became the Joint Secretary of the North East Region Students' Union; he got an opportunity to work along with Hitendra Nath Goswami, who was the Convener of the North East Region Students' Union in 1981, and presently, the Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly.
His Academic background
In 1984, he joined the academic sphere and became a lecturer in Synod College, Shillong. After serving for more than 20 years, he became the Head of the Department of History and later retired as Associate Professor on February 2017.
His Political Career
Dr. Kharlukhi joined the Hill People's Union (HPU) under the leadership of (L) Prof. B. Pakem. In 1990, he was elected as the General Secretary of HPU – Youth wing and served along with former Minister, B.M. Lanong, who was then the President of the HPU – Youth wing.
But in the year 1997, the HPU, together with a majority faction of the Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP), under the leadership of (L) E.K. Mawlong, formed a party which came to be known as the United Democratic Party (UDP).
Dr. Kharlukhi left the UDP in 1999 to join the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under the leadership of (Late) Purno A. Sangma. He was elected as the President of the NCP – Meghalaya State Unit and served as the State Party Chief from the year 2007-2012.
However, when Late. Purno A. Sangma left the NCP to form the National People's Party (NPP) in 2012, Dr. Kharlukhi followed suit. He was elected as the President of the NPP – Meghalaya Unit and has been serving as the State Party Chief till date.
