The Congress party is making a strategic attempt to regain the Shillong Lok Sabha seat in Meghalaya, a region where it previously held significant influence. Following a disappointing performance in the 2024 elections, where Congress lost the seat to Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) by over 3.71 lakh votes, the party has nominated its president, Vincent H. Pala, as its candidate for the upcoming by-election. This seat became vacant after the untimely death of Syngkon on February 19, 2026. The by-election is expected to be held in August 2026, pending the Election Commission's schedule announcement. Pala, who previously represented the constituency for 15 years, expressed optimism about reclaiming the seat, which Congress held for 26 years from 1998 to 2024. Competing against him will be Batskhem Myrboh from the VPP and D.R.L. Nonglait from the National People’s Party (NPP). The political landscape remains uncertain as the United Democratic Party and Bharatiya Janata Party have not yet announced their participation, despite being part of the NPP-led coalition in Meghalaya.